[fuburules3]

We are playing 2/1, but have some trouble with precise meanings of all the bids

In the auction

1♠-P-2♦-P
2♥-P- ?,

what do the bids of 3♥ versus 4♥ show?

Suppose the auction is

1♠-P-2♦-P
2♥-P-3♥- P
3♠

what does 3♠ show? Is it showing extra distribution or a cue? After 3♠, what are responder's options?

[mike777]

3h=mild slam try in h
3s=cue.
your options are:
1) cue
2) rkc
3)sigh off in h./

[nigel_k]

The classical meaning of the first one is probably fast arrival, i.e. any minimum with four hearts. But I don't like doing that when partner is unlimited and would prefer it to show values concentrated in the red suits, e.g. xx KQxx AKJxx xx.

In the second one, I think anything above three of the agreed major is a cue bid. If you agree trumps at the two level you can show shape or values though.

[fuburules3]

mike777, on 2011-January-09, 23:35, said:

1) cue
2) rkc
3)sigh off in h./

Do you play that option 3 denies a club/diamond control or can a hand that is not slam interested (but may have a cue) bid 4 hearts?

[mgoetze]

fuburules3, on 2011-January-10, 13:56, said:

Do you play that option 3 denies a club/diamond control or can a hand that is not slam interested (but may have a cue) bid 4 hearts?

Without further discussion I would not say it absolutely denies a cue. But there is a good tool for sorting this out: Serious 3NT. Playing that, a cue would show just a control, but no slam interest, whereas with slam interest, responder bids 3NT. In this context, 4♥ would deny a club or diamond control.