Posted 2011-August-29, 12:21
Heck, even I reverse this hand, and I am amongst those whose reverses usually promise great strength if based on 4=5 shape.
I do need both 10's, and the Aces, and the great diamond suit....and this is a minimum. It may also represent an evolution in my thinking processes about reverses, spurred in part by the posts made, over the years, by those who have advocated lighter reverses than my former preference.
Interesting question: if 2N is lebensohl (or ingberman, which operates identically here), should one bid 3♣ or 3♠?
I differ from Frances on this one. I would bid 3♣ because, in the style I prefer, partner will pass 3♣ only with a weak 4=6, and opposite such a hand, 3♣ is probably the best spot for us...I will correct either of 3♦ or 3♥ to 3♠, and that, for me, spells a minimum 3=4=5=1. If I were to pull 2N to 3♠, overruling partner's request to bid 3♣ (unless I couldn't stand it) then that would, to me, show a maximum and would be forcing.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari