[Double !]

Here is another of those relatively strong with lots of controls but no clear initial fit responder hands that seem to create such a problem. A lot seems to depend on the issue of how strong a hand East shows by rebidding 3H (extra values past an opening hand, or just stopping hearts for a possible NT contract If opener stops clubs)? I don't know what the expert method is for making this distinction, but it seems to be an important issue to help in the bidding of these "tweener" hands. Also important is the meaning of the 2S rebid (some prefer it as a default, some as showing 6-card suit: I fall within the latter group.) If it shows 6, then a case can be made for east now bidding 4S (but would that show delayed spade support vs. xx, something like a 3451 hand? I don't believe so: a hand with spade support IMO should support spades first and then move forward playing 2/1.)

[flytoox]

helene_t, on Jul 25 2005, 08:15 AM, said:

This is quite difficult. Unless the partnership has some "Mad Scientist" agreements that they forgot to use, I would not blame anybody.

I agree. This is a difficult hand.

[keylime]

I like East to take one more shot - such a rich hand with a running suit. 4NT from East, quant. asking.

It's a VERY hard hand in 2/1. I think it's one of those "relay" specials that lands at six.

[keylime]

1S-1NT*(forcing, start of g/f's)
3S-4D
4S-5H
5NT (Pick your slam pard, I got club coverage)-6S
6NT (I really like my club stop)

With the actual layout, six spades, five diamonds, two hearts, and club. Grand only on the QJ being tight.

[MarceldB]

keylime, on Jul 26 2005, 12:18 PM, said:

It's a VERY hard hand in 2/1. I think it's one of those "relay" specials that lands at six.

If relay style then 7♦ , but under the condition that ♦ is called in West; 6NT same condition (NT in west).

[Fluffy]

Bidding is reasonable, but I think East would had better bid 2NT than 3♥, althou it miss-sides the NT contract, we have extra strenght so we can cope it, and we might find about ♦ fit at the 3 level.

[Al_U_Card]

If east tries 4S over 3NT, my approach would be you will get the C lead in NT or S contracts and I have a slam-try hand. Care to go slamming?

[Walddk]

Al_U_Card, on Jul 26 2005, 03:33 PM, said:

If east tries 4S over 3NT, my approach would be you will get the C lead in NT or S contracts and I have a slam-try hand. Care to go slamming?

In 6♠ and 6NT by West, certainly!

Roland

[Double !]

Al_U_Card, on Jul 26 2005, 08:33 AM, said:

If east tries 4S over 3NT, my approach would be you will get the C lead in NT or S contracts and I have a slam-try hand. Care to go slamming?

4 Spades is the bid that I was suggesting in my previous post, but I didn't know how most people play 4S/3N in this sequence. Specifically, I don't know whether people play it as showing actual spade support as opposed to showing a doubleton spade (assuming P showed 6), knowing that there is an 8-card fit, and enough outside controls and strength (mostly in diamonds and hearts) to have some slam interest (ie, more than a minimum 2/1 response that also could not rebid 2NT due to lack of club stopper) I am still not clear whether or not that is how you are suggesting that the sequence of bids made by responder/ advancer be interpreted.
Please clarify.

[Al_U_Card]

Seems that anytime you go beyond 3NT like this hand, it is a slam try and you are showing where you think the slam should be (or in NT). This facilitates q-bidding or RKCB and allows your pard numerous options over the inferences that he will draw about your hand.....(The choice is often a minor suit slam instead of 3NT but here you have up to the 5 level to play around, so why not?)

[mgtusi]

P_Marlowe, on Jul 25 2005, 02:28 AM, said:

Hi,

not reaching 6NT on a combined 29 count is hardly the end of the world.

The same holds true for 6S, because both hands are fairly balanced,
and there exists no primary fit, unless 2S showed already a 6 card
suit, in which case one could blame East for not showing support, which
would just be result merchandising, afterall West showed a minimum
opening bid either with 2S or with 3NT, and 3NT will be a great contract
and maybe safer than 4S.

With kind regards
Marlowe

Completely agree !

This is a borderline slam ; more we have to keep in mind that east doesn't know the sixth spade ; with five spades only in west hand, the slam becomes an ugly one and even ten tricks could be not so easy.

[HeartA]

keylime, on Jul 23 2005, 07:07 PM, said:

East. 100% East. East by a country mile. East.

200% to East.

[keylime]

Senshu,

2000%. :-)

[the hog]

Those who suggest East should have done more, what do you suggest? A quatitative 4NT over 3NT? All West has shown is a min hand with 5+S and a C stopper. A waiting 2NT by East might have been better than 3H, I agree, but that does risk wrongsiding a NT contract.