nebridge.org

[TimG]

IMPs (forget vul), you hold

Jxx Txxx Axx Qxx

(2S)-DBL-(3S)-?

Seems to me that Pass, Double (responsive), and 4H would be considered. Does one action stand out?

Tim

[bbraucher]

I pass. Give North a normal double, like
S-x H-AKxx D-Kxxx C-KJxx. I don't think
I can handle 4H even with a 3-2 split, and
they will usually be down 1 in 3S. Granted,
when 4H is right, it's very right, but frequency
counts for something. Pass smoothly - 3S
isn't a skip bid, and we don't want to restrict
partner.

[JeffLehman]

I would pass, too.

If I could pull out the Stop card and then bid 4H, I might consider that. But I am pretty sure that the ethics are not acceptable (yes, this is tongue in cheek). Partner has to count on you for some values for the 4H call and can bid too high even when you are better off in 4H than defending 3S. In case one judges the issue as a close one, two factors pointing toward passing are the balanced distribution and the poor quality hearts.

How do most folks play a double in this situation? Might it promise four or more of each minor but deny four hearts, meaning that you have to either bid your four card heart suit or not? That is, would double show a (minimumish) hand such as Jxx, Tx, AJxx, Qxxx?

[TimG]

I thought this was an easy pass, and most people I have given the problem to have indeed passed. But, most of them are tempted to bid, often suggesting that 4H could make. I agree: 4H could make. If that is the case partner almost surely will take further action over 3S. Everyone seems to think that it is now or never, but it is not.

At the table, we took 9 tricks in a heart contract...not a 4H contract. As Jeff points out, not only does pass not end the auction, 4H might not end the auction.

As far as double, I would expect it to show values with no clear bid, sort of a responsive double. Just like negative doubles, responsive doubles get less shape specific at higher levels. I would not think that double either promises or denies four hearts; I think 3=4=3=3 shape would be possible, but don't think the hand in question is good enough for a double.