[Zelandakh]

mikeh, on 2013-November-15, 10:53, said:

I simply do not understand how anyone, playing a 14+ -17 1N can treat the opening hand as a 1N opener.

Dammit, I wanted to make this point too but got sidetracked by the discussion about Gerber, Lebensohl and Rubensohl. Take a +1 for reminding me.

[PhilKing]

ArtK78, on 2013-November-15, 09:35, said:

So, Phil, suppose opener's hand was AQ Qxxxx AJx Axx. Still a forcing pass? Presumably responder, with Kxx xx --- KQJTxxxx would now bid 6♣. Of course, the opps could lead a diamond. But the slam starts with no play.

It's pretty close, but I would say no, because the ace of diamonds will be facing a void enough of the time to make pass slightly minus ev.

[Fluffy]

Cyberyeti, on 2013-November-15, 08:04, said:

We can bid this one pretty trivially after a 1♥ opener, but it's still a slight guess:

1♥(4+)-2♣(Not GF)
2N(GF not necessarily balanced, we play a weak NT)-3♣(5+♣)
3♥(5+♥ not 4♦)-3♠(spade stop, possible suit)
4♣(no ♦ stop, 3♣)-4♦(kickback)
4♥(0/3)-5♣(signoff opposite 0)
5N(3, no side K but other goodies)-6♣

I suppose it's just possible partner has A10x, AJ109x, QJ, Axx but anything better than this or a doubleton spade is sufficient, and even this has chances.

It's more difficult for a strong NT pair with 2♣/3♣ NF, basically the club hand has to work out his partner is non minimum then ask aces and rely on an extra trick materialising somewhere from the extra values or a doubleton spade.

Why don't you bid the obvious

1♥-2♣
2NT-4♣ ?

[the hog]

ArtK78, on 2013-November-14, 23:48, said:

Matchpoints. All Vul.

---

1NT was a good 14 to 17.

2♦ was DONT - Diamonds and a major.

You can bid 2NT Lebensohl, or 3♣ natural and forcing, or something else. Gerber is available, but what do you do if partner shows 2 aces? 5♣ would be a king ask.

Question #1 - What do you bid over 2♦?

In any event, LHO is going to bid 5♦ over your action and partner is going to double.

Question #2 - What now?

3C of course. Why not? Over 5DX I pass.

[the hog]

rhm, on 2013-November-15, 08:12, said:

Guess PHILKING wouldn't have doubled with the East hand, but most players invariably do.

Rainer Herrmann

Excuse me! Anyone who can play would pass 5D. The x is absurd!