[jillybean]

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[JLOGIC]

They used to have hands like this in MSC and the general feeling was that 2C was the best bid even though it's a (small) overbid because it increases the likelihood of playing the right strain.

I would go with that, the other option of 3D is just so flawed when it comes to getting to the right strain that I think you have to.

Since you don't mention your system, any of these things would help in this case:

1) 1S promises an unbalanced hand (4144 or 45)
2) 2C as fourth suit is NOT game forcing (obviously that would be perfect)
3) Possibly XYZ, where you could bid 2C then 2H, at least you will not play a ridiculous contract like you would if you had to bid 3H
4) Sound opening bids.

FWIW I play none of those.

[broze]

JLOGIC, on 2013-February-24, 20:53, said:

1) 1S promises an unbalanced hand (4144 or 45)

Not playing numbers 2, 3 and 4 from your list I am delighted you think that this treatment helps here. I have to admit though, I am struggling to see how?

[jillybean]

I didn't specify system as the friend who gave me the problem doesn't play the same gadgets that I do so we are interested
in how others evaluate the hand. Invitational, if possible or will you make a gf if an invite is not available.

[the hog]

jillybean, on 2013-February-24, 20:48, said:

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3D expresses the strength of the hand. I assume that partner showed an unbalanced hand.

[JLOGIC]

broze, on 2013-February-24, 22:03, said:

Not playing numbers 2, 3 and 4 from your list I am delighted you think that this treatment helps here. I have to admit though, I am struggling to see how?

You can bid 3D more confidently since partner will usually have 5 diamonds and will also usually have a stiff heart. Taking out 4243 helps feeling comfortable bidding 3D.

[han]

I would certainly not bid an invitational 3H here, but if I played that 1D - 2H is invitational (which I do with pretty much everybody) then I would have done that.

[kenberg]

As I usually play, all I know from the auction is that partner has at least four diamonds and exactly four spades. If by any chance he has a supershape with five spades and many diamonds, I will learn that soon. But I strongly expect exactly four. We, meaning most of my partners, do not rebid 1NT skipping over spades just because the hand is balanced. I realize some do, maybe I should, but I don't.


So now I bid 2♣. Not for the first time, I wish this were not an absolute game force but it is. I can live with that.

[ggwhiz]

My pard has 5+ diamonds unless specifically 4-1-4-4 or some 4-2-5-2 hands.

That makes 3♦ less risky than a 4 suit GF for me with the upside of pard bidding 3nt or 3♥ on a suitable doubleton.