[gwnn]

AJxx
xxxx
QJ9x
x

MP's, all red, LHO deals and it goes

1H-2NT-p-3D
3S-4D-4S-?

nobody is particularly reliable at the table (including the player holding these cards), but still, good luck.

[JLOGIC]

5d what else? Not trying for slam, partner could have doubled rather than bid 4d with a power hand and my heart holding is bad since he's probably 0265

[Zelandakh]

Are you not worried about partner holding -/xx/KT8xxx/AKxxx? Would you have bid 3♦ on the first round or preferred 4♦ (or something else)? I had to do a double take when I read this first - I thought you were suggesting we try for slam rather than discussing whether partner might have been. As always with 2-suited overcalls, I think the style of playing them should be disclosed since it varies so widely from place to place, especially vulnerable.

[Trinidad]

5♦. We have genuine support, rather than a mere preference.

Rik

[JLOGIC]

 Zelandakh, on 2012-November-08, 04:41, said:

Are you not worried about partner holding -/xx/KT8xxx/AKxxx? Would you have bid 3♦ on the first round or preferred 4♦ (or something else)? I had to do a double take when I read this first - I thought you were suggesting we try for slam rather than discussing whether partner might have been. As always with 2-suited overcalls, I think the style of playing them should be disclosed since it varies so widely from place to place, especially vulnerable.

I was suggesting trying for slam, I assume that is the alternative to 5d. Anyways I wouldn't as I have the wrong ace but switch them and I would. We bid three only diamonds so our hand is really good.

I assume you ate implying that passing or doubling is the other alternative...I mean I dunno it could be right but its like saying aren't I worried about bidding 1n p 3n with two small of a suit since they might run it IMO heh. I just think its normal to bid 5d even though we might have a slam or we might be beating them while our own game is down.

Regardless of partners style for 2n which is probably pretty light based on our hand bidding only 3d, he voluntarily bid a second time.,,surely that means something? I would def bid 2n with your example hand but then I would pass 3s. Would you really bid 4d with that?

[Zelandakh]

Yeah, perhaps not the best example in the world but I think this hand is far closer to passing than bidding 6 (even when slam making is quite likely on a forum hand). Perhaps that is because I think 4♦ is purely preemptive and the example hand is close to max while for you it is probably sub-minimum. Not that there is a huge preemptive value to 4♦ over 3♠ so some values are being shown. Anyway, I do not disagree with 5♦ being normal, was just interested in the mindset and minutiae. When you or one of the other experts post in more detail about your thinking on hands like this I find it very instructive.

The same with the immediate 4♦ question. It is not that I think that is right with 4-1 in the minors so much as wondering how close it is. Would 3442 be enough to tip the balance? Or 2443 with blank ♠AJ? As always, all of the input you provide, especially on these judgement decision threads, is highly appreciated.

[mikeh]

5♦

[Phil]

I played with a few layouts. The play in 4♠ both seem interesting but both seem likely to make. Even if only one made, its right to bid 5♦.

[gnasher]

I would have bid 4♦ on the previous round.

[gwnn]

Pard has x Kx 8xxxx AKJxx. Yes, not a 4D bid. how do you play 5Dx on the small spade to the K and A?

[gnasher]

 gwnn, on 2012-November-08, 13:16, said:

Pard has x Kx 8xxxx AKJxx. Yes, not a 4D bid. how do you play 5Dx on the small spade to the K and A?

---

Who doubled me? Does dummy have ♦7?

[gwnn]

Opener doubled you and (sorry) can't remember. I think you do have it in dummy yes.

[gnasher]

Is it worth suggesting that partner play the hand whilst I go to the bar? If his play is anything like his bidding, the opponents probably won't mind.

Edit: I can see any easy way to go three down.

This post has been edited by gnasher: 2012-November-09, 04:56

[gwnn]

 gnasher, on 2012-November-09, 04:54, said:

Is it worth suggesting that partner play the hand whilst I go to the bar? If his play is anything like his bidding, the opponents probably won't mind.

He is actually usually a better cardplayer than South, so opps will mind.

[Phil]

2N makes me ill.

4♦ makes me want to give up bridge.

[Zelandakh]

I agree Phil - it makes my hand look positively shiny!

[gwnn]

 gnasher, on 2012-November-09, 04:54, said:

Is it worth suggesting that partner play the hand whilst I go to the bar? If his play is anything like his bidding, the opponents probably won't mind.

Edit: I can see any easy way to go three down.

Sorry, I'm probably confused, are you saying that any reasonable line will be only 2 down? How would you play it?

I went 3 down actually, but at least my pd didn't blame me for our (very) bad result. Not that he blamed his 4D bid.

[mikeh]

 Phil, on 2012-November-09, 09:17, said:

2N makes me ill.

4♦ makes me want to give up bridge.

Certainly with this partner

[gnasher]

 gwnn, on 2012-November-09, 10:00, said:

Sorry, I'm probably confused, are you saying that any reasonable line will be only 2 down? How would you play it?

I went 3 down actually, but at least my pd didn't blame me for our (very) bad result. Not that he blamed his 4D bid.

I meant that everything I'd considered seemed to lead to -800.

The best bet is probably a heart at trick two. If LHO is 4612 with a singleton trump honour, he has to win ♥A, cash his trump, then give a heart ruff so that RHO can draw a second trump. If they don't do that, I can probably force RHO whilst the trumps are still blocked, and arrange to take three club ruffs in hand whilst losing only three trumps and a heart.

[jogs]

 gnasher, on 2012-November-08, 13:11, said:

I would have bid 4♦ on the previous round.

3♦ by the OP is less of an underbid than
his partner competing with 4♦ is an overbid.
I would have passed 3♠. Didn't he already
show that hand with 2NT?