[WellSpyder]

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How would you interpret this 4NT from partner?
Would it make any difference whether you were playing a limited 1♥ opening in a Precision-type system or a standard (5-card major) system?

[paulg]

WellSpyder, on 2012-May-02, 03:46, said:

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How would you interpret this 4NT from partner?
Would it make any difference whether you were playing a limited 1♥ opening in a Precision-type system or than a standard (5-card major) system?

Two or three places to play or heart slam try, not natural, not a form of Blackwood. Clearly shows a good hand at this vulnerability. System makes no difference to me.

[fromageGB]

I think at this level is has to be a good hand.
If partner's X was an orthodox takeout, it has to be playable in both minors, so a perfect 0544 or close to that.
It partner's X was a good raise to 2♥ then it is ace asking.

[WellSpyder]

paulg, on 2012-May-02, 03:49, said:

Two or three places to play or heart slam try, not natural, not a form of Blackwood. Clearly shows a good hand at this vulnerability. System makes no difference to me.

Maybe a heart slam try is unlikely if 1♥ is a limited opening?

fromageGB, on 2012-May-02, 04:01, said:

I think at this level is has to be a good hand.
If partner's X was an orthodox takeout, it has to be playable in both minors, so a perfect 0544 or close to that.
It partner's X was a good raise to 2♥ then it is ace asking.

Partner's double was for take-out.

[han]

There was a discussion on bridgewinners recently about the following auction:

1S - Dbl - 4S - 4NT
p - 5m - p - 5H

Traditionally this was played as a slam try in hearts, while a direct 5H bid is weaker. Somebody pointed out that it may be better to turn these two around: bid 5H directly with a slam try while 4NT followed by 5H is weaker.

She made the case that the slam try is more important to show than the weaker hand. If partner bids 5D then your pull to 5H doesn't show a slam try (it could be 5-5 clubs and hearts) and if the opponents bid 5S you also weren't able to show your type of hand.

This idea can be extended to many auctions, including the one discussed by the OP.

[Zelandakh]

han, on 2012-May-02, 05:26, said:

There was a discussion on bridgewinners recently about the following auction:

They are stealing from us! I am pretty sure the idea was aired on BBF well in advance of this.

[WellSpyder]

paulg, on 2012-May-02, 03:49, said:

Two or three places to play or heart slam try, not natural, not a form of Blackwood.

OK, I'm not surprised no-one thinks this is any form of Blackwood, and there was no scope for confusion between my partner and me on that score. Anyone think it could be to play?

[paulg]

WellSpyder, on 2012-May-02, 11:27, said:

Anyone think it could be to play?

No, that is why there are multiple Double cards in the bidding box.

More seriously, the use of 4NT to find the right minor fit seems more useful than wanting to play in 4NT.

[WellSpyder]

paulg, on 2012-May-02, 11:31, said:

No, that is why there are multiple Double cards in the bidding box.

More seriously, the use of 4NT to find the right minor fit seems more useful than wanting to play in 4NT.

I wonder if I have read too many posts on these bulletin boards, because I thought this use for 4N was fairly clear, too. Partner had ♠AQ♥AKQ965♦643♣83 and thought 10 tricks in offence was probably going to be easier than 7 in defence... What do you think he should have bid?

[mgoetze]

WellSpyder, on 2012-May-03, 02:09, said:

What do you think he should have bid?

Nothing.