[mike777]

Opponents silent

2/1

1D-2C?

Partner surprised me tonight saying 2C always promises 5 over a Diamond.

Is this a good way to play it?

[bluenikki]

mike777, on 2025-December-31, 21:56, said:

Opponents silent

2/1

1D-2C?

Partner surprised me tonight saying 2C always promises 5 over a Diamond.

Is this a good way to play it?

In general, you'd like the most expensive simple suit response to show 5.

But what if you're dealt 3=3=3=4 with too much strength for the 3NT response?

[pescetom]

 mike777, on 2025-December-31, 21:56, said:

Partner surprised me tonight saying 2C always promises 5 over a Diamond.

Is this a good way to play it?

Not in my opinion, particularly if Opener promised 4+ diamonds and did not deny 4 clubs.

[DavidKok]

I play that it promises 5+, but I put 3=3=3=4 in the inverted minor raise. This is supported by the fact that my 1♦ is usually 5+. You can equally well play 2♣ as '5+ or 3=3=3=4'.

Some people play it as a generic 4+, choosing to establish a game force immediately rather than raise with inverted minor on 4 cards.

Notice how responder has an easy bid with any of the following:

• 4(+)♥
  
• 4(+)♠
  
• 5(+)♣
  
• 4(+)♦

What remains is exactly 3=3=3=4.

I would not jump to 3NT with a strong hand, regardless of range.