[hrothgar]

StevenG, on 2015-April-02, 03:08, said:

Is your response structure different from what it would be if you guarantee 5 cards?

Nope

Please note: My preferred opening style is based on 4 card majors with a major's first opening style and we aggressively raise to 2M with three card support and raise to the three level with 4 card support. I get lots of practice playing Moysians and the like.

More significantly, if you are a perfectly "Law abiding" partnership, this leaks a lot of information to the opponents.
If you are known to have an 8 card spade fit, balancing in 3m is a lot safer.
The knife cuts both ways.

[StevenG]

I'm uncomfortable with the idea that these methods should be recommended in the N/B forum. Sure, with experienced players, but N/Bs need solid methods that don't lead to too many unplayable contracts.

[helene_t]

Liversidge, on 2015-April-01, 11:47, said:

My partner and I have recently signed up to LoTT and bidding to the level of our fit. It takes a bit of nerve to raise partner's 1♠ overcall to 3♠ with four card support and a bust, but we are getting used to it. Overcalling with a 4 card suit might well work on this hand but night well spook partner on future hands so he won't know whether to trust me.

I think you nailed it.

Just wanted to add that the problem is not so much partner raising to the 3-level with 4-card support. The problem comes when LHO raises to 3♥ or 4♥ and partner bids 3♠ or 4♠ with 3-card support.

[MrAce]

DBL>1♠>Pass

In another recent topic Wank said "clear dbl" for the same hand type. Now Richard says "obvious" for the 1♠. I think they both are making overstatements as Art said. They both have merits and downsides. To me dbl is better but i would not mind 1♠

[neilkaz]

straube, on 2015-April-01, 17:00, said:

Found this from Lawrence's first book on overcalls. Page 10. After an 1H opening, dealt this...

KJ87
42
AK
Q6432

"Pass is probably best. With no reason to expect a fit, it is too dangerous to attempt any action.
If you must bid something I suppose 1S is best, but I don't care for it..."

I think Lawrence's hand example hand was at NV vs V. The OP hand has better spades but is all red.

There's plenty of hands in his book where he advocates overcalling on a 4 card suit! However, the suit should be better than KJ87. Here we have AKJ2 which is a fine suit for a 4 card o/c at the 1 level. We also have 15 hcp rather than 13 so passing is running more of a risk of missing something. Q9xxx really isn't an adequate suit for a 2 level o/c.

When we double we run the risk of PD hurting us with a ♦ bid. For me, I have a clear preference that I am telling the least lie to PD by bidding 1♠ now rather than double.

[steve2005]

3 Jacks and a Queen not exactly a nice 15, I'll pass. Maybe opp will bid such that I can do a takeout X later or partner bids if not i'll defend.