[straube]

So I kibitzed a strong club pair the other day and was surprised to see that after the slave hand showed 7321 or something at the point of 3S, that opener's 3N was asking for controls.

When responder has a 7-cd major I guess I shouldn't be too suprised. I don't know whether they do the same for a minor suit.

Anyone have recommendations for when 3N might be better as an asking bid? Seems like if partner has some 6430 or 7321 that there's some merit in it. If a 4432 not so much.

[Mbodell]

Over 1♣=1♦ I used to play 3nt was specific A asking.

[mikestar13]

The step you save using 3NT as a relay is not worth memorizing an exception to the meta-rule for relay sequences "3NT by the master hand is the final contract".

[Free]

mikestar13, on 2013-February-07, 15:56, said:

The step you save using 3NT as a relay is not worth memorizing an exception to the meta-rule for relay sequences "3NT by the master hand is the final contract".

I disagree, but it depends on the situation. If you haven't shown exact shape it means you're getting quite high before even starting slam bidding. In that case each step may be vital. However, when slam bidding has already started, I don't see much merit in making exceptions because there's plenty of room.