[bluecalm]

Isn't partner 6-1-3-3 quite often here ?

[benlessard]

bluecalm, on 2012-January-28, 12:56, said:

Isn't partner 6-1-3-3 quite often here ?

With good S hes going to bid 3S, so imo hes favorite to have a 4m.

[dake50]

Yup, if you pass that's +500. 3 imps out, against 620 from the other table. -- Frances Hinden

*** Are you suggesting 500 v 620 is the most likely
*** in this situation? Always in this situation?
*** Are you suggesting 800 v set game never occurs?
*** Are you suggesting that 3 imps out is a disaster?
*** Partner did double leaving penalties possible.
*** Was he wrong? Should he have bid 4S when all he
*** needs is 'HA' -- their suit?
*** Is taking a sure plus wrong?

[jallerton]

Codo, on 2012-January-25, 06:00, said:

I am not sure if I would like to have 3 NT at these colours for the minors. I would like to bid 3 NT with say J, AJT, Txxx,JT9xx

I would prefer to defend 3♥x with that hand. Indeed this is true of many of the hands where one might to bid a natural 3NT. The only hand type I can think of where a natural 3NT is particularly useful is when the partner of the doubler has a single heart stop and a decent 6-card minor. Even then it might be right to play in the minor. Hands suitable for the "scramble" meaning are quite a lot more frequent, I would have thought. Clearly though if you wish to play this method you need unambiguous agreements as to when "scramble" 3NT might apply!

[FrancesHinden]

dake50, on 2012-January-29, 09:31, said:

Yup, if you pass that's +500. 3 imps out, against 620 from the other table. -- Francis Hinden

If you are going to quote me, please spell my name right.

[lamford]

I think that if it is possible that 3NT is natural it should be. If you have the minors, and have some values, then you could have doubled on the previous round. I guess both hands - weak with minors or natural - are unlikely. I have no idea which is more frequent, so will fall back on the rule that if 3NT can be systemically natural, it will be, otherwise it is something clever!

[phil_20686]

This seems like a classic situation where playing in your best strain is probably the right thing to do, else you will end up just coming off in 4m when you were cold for game in the other minor.

[Codo]

jallerton, on 2012-January-29, 12:34, said:

I would prefer to defend 3♥x with that hand. Indeed this is true of many of the hands where one might to bid a natural 3NT. The only hand type I can think of where a natural 3NT is particularly useful is when the partner of the doubler has a single heart stop and a decent 6-card minor. Even then it might be right to play in the minor. Hands suitable for the "scramble" meaning are quite a lot more frequent, I would have thought. Clearly though if you wish to play this method you need unambiguous agreements as to when "scramble" 3NT might apply!

So, if I compare the both ways:
I am not able to play in 4 of the right minor, I need to be in game.
You are soemtimes not able to play in your most likely game, but have to defend against non vul. opps.

Anybody is allowed to choose his own poison. I am very happy with mine.