[phoenixmj]

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We play 2/1.

I opened this hand in west with 11 HCP because of the distribution and a decent spade suit. I only have 1 quick trick. LTC is 6 - but that is just used to tip the scales a bit if on the fence. Rebid - is a question since not very strong. It does meet the rule of 20.

First question - should I have passed and hope someone else (preferably partner) will open the bidding?

Now - partner starts a 2/1 with clubs as the suit.

Do I show 4 card support for clubs and bid 3 hearts to show shortness in hearts?

What is the best bid to describe my hand?

I am going to post partner's hand after getting feedback on this bid. I would very much like feedback on the entire auction. Thx.

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OK - this is partner's hand and how our bidding went up to my second bid. What would you now bid?

How about if I did not open - how would the bidding go? I expect partner would have opened 1c, and I would have responded 1s. Now - partner would want to show his strength - a jump shift?? Would show 19 but perhaps is the better lie?

Thanks in advance.

[fromageGB]

1 - yes, it seems acceptable to me. If you passed as dealer and bid spades over hearts, then partner will not be able to judge what to do.

2 - there is a big split in approach that you need to agree with partner. One says a raise to 3♣ needs a good hand, say 15+, while without those values you make another bid but no higher than your opening suit, which does not show 6 cards. The other approach is to disregard strength and 2♠ would be 6 cards while 3♣ can be weak. Each way has advantages and adherents.

However, in your case you have a very simple rebid of 2♦ whichever style you choose. This does not deny clubs, and if partner rebids hearts, spades, or NT, you then can rebid 3♣. I would be tempted to bid 4♣ rather than play in 3NT, unless he bids 2NT first and then 3NT over your 3♣.

[etha]

I would have passed the opening bid. I would bid 3♥ now showing the splinter.

[msjennifer]

Sir,We open such a hand at favourable vulnerability only.I am not much used to playing 2/1 .We will show immediate support by bidding 3C.

[gszes]

One of the more frustrating aspects of 2/1 is the use of the Principle of Fast Arrival (PFA). Most think of it as a jump to game to express minimum values but it also has other applications. This hand is dead min and thus the PFA indicates the hand go quickly to show itself via a 3h splinter. Why is this important? If your had was KJxxx void AKxx KQxx. A bid of 3h would be premature since you have extra values that might be dangerous to show if partner bids 3n. The latter hand is vastly better off bidding 2d and hearing partners next bid before deciding how to proceed. The latter hand value increases dramatically if partner does not bid some number of NT over 2d and slam cannot be too far off. This is NOT the case with a dead minimum where 5m or 3n might not be the best contracts but our best chance to make game. Letting partner know our shape immediately sends a signal of weakness and telling p the ball is in their court and to make a decision if possible.

[heart76]

phoenixmj, on 2019-April-02, 10:13, said:

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First question - should I have passed and hope someone else (preferably partner) will open the bidding?

Now - partner starts a 2/1 with clubs as the suit.
Do I show 4 card support for clubs and bid 3 hearts to show shortness in hearts?

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OK - this is partner's hand and how our bidding went up to my second bid. What would you now bid?

I would also open here.
When partner bids 2/1 I would not make fancy things up just with worry that I did wrong by opening. But in 2/1 is important to know which of the 2 bids, opening or 2/1, can be eventually weaker. I prefer the opening for several reasons.

I also agree with 2♦ rebid.
Opener's 1st rebid should not show extras if it's within 2 level or if it's a raise of partner's minor. So 3♣ is also 11-15. But IMHO it should specifically deny 4 in a red suit, because if you think of it there is no sense in using one bidding level for nothing and, more important, partner will be put to a guess or will have to assume no red stops for 3NT and will be deprived of many slam auctions.

After partner's 2♠, we have to be consistent to what that can be, and here you can have many agreements.
I think you should assume that, since you have not shown extras, he is either minimum with some interest for 3NT or is strong. (In some agreements 3♠ is strong but limited, in others is strong and unlimited, that's the beauty of bridge).
Either way, he needs to know where you hold something, and this is the time for 3♣. After that, if you hear 3NT or 4♠, pass. If you hear something else, he's looking for slam, and you don't even know which one, given your void.
An alternative is to jump to 4♥ to show a void, but I am not sure if it's better.