[32519]

 manudude03, on 2013-May-22, 02:47, said:

That example is kinda funny, East gets the best possible response, and still doesn't bid the slam. Well, ok, it is on 2 finesses, but there is no point in asking if you're just going to play in 4NT. If East decides to play in NT, just bid 3NT (note that even 4NT is on a finesse if you get a diamond lead).

My mistake. The slam was bid. Fixed it, thanks.

[manudude03]

On a more serious note, if you want the best of both worlds, play 4om as (O)RKC. Even when clubs are trumps, you can still play it as optional. In the worst case scenario:

3C-(X)-4D (optional RKC)
4H-4S (bad hand, ok seriously- how many key cards have you got)
5D (1 w/Q)

If you knew partner had a bad hand, but didn't want to commit to slam opposite 1KC+queen, you shouldn't be asking . Now you can bid 4m competitively and still check for slam. The only real problem is that if you persist, you are unlikely to play 4NT.

[PhilKing]

 32519, on 2013-May-21, 22:32, said:

A new hand from a club match:

---

After the t/o X, how many HCP do you think South can have? Even if N/S were nv versus v, and North with something to bid over 6♣, he will go for a number if he does. The t/o X gives the show away regarding any needed finesses.

You need to play optional Shapewood to solve this bad boy.

3♣-X-4♣(Shapewood)-P
4♠(max, middle shortage)-P-4NT(remainder ask)-P
5♦(trebleton spade)-P-6♣-AP

Slam is down with the pointed suits reversed.

[Zelandakh]

Was that a 3 in this year's Secret Bridge Olympics, Phil?

[PhilKing]

 Zelandakh, on 2013-May-22, 08:52, said:

Was that a 3 in this year's Secret Bridge Olympics, Phil?

Just a 2.

The committee pointed out that it was better to use redouble as Shapewood. Oh well, there's always next year.

[32519]

 Zelandakh, on 2013-May-22, 08:52, said:

Was that a 3 in this year's Secret Bridge Olympics, Phil?

 PhilKing, on 2013-May-22, 09:01, said:

Just a 2.The committee pointed out that it was better to use redouble as Shapewood. Oh well, there's always next year.

Hang on a minute here. You're saying this thing takes place every year? Then my informant had it all wrong. He said it only takes place once every four years? Maybe, just maybe, one day?