Posted 2010-October-25, 15:16
what on earth were we doing, using keycard when the response doesn't tell us where we want to play the hand????
And why assume he holds 17? I assume 3♣ showed a liking for diamonds, but to require 17 for that acceptance seems contrary to normal practice....a good 16 should surely suffice?
I think the problem is that most who play these transfers use 3♠ over 3♣ as forward-going, with spade shortness, thus allowing partner to use his judgement.
I am going to bid a quiet 5♦....and hope it makes.
As for your 'wrost case scenario' you either have a limited imagination or you are extremely lucky in your partner's choices of hands. There are a huge range of hands on which slam ranges from hopeless to poor. AQx Kxxx QJx AJx is a control-rich maximum acceptance of diamonds, and it won't take a heart lead to beat you.
AKx AKx QJxx xxx is a control rich maximum on which even 5♦ will fail on a club lead. Note that both of these hands would play in a sensible 3N after you show spade shortness.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari