[inquiry]

Scoring: IMP

BPO-001-E
West North East South
   1♠    2♠    Pass   ?

Of course, 2♠ is Michaels cue-bid in BBO-Advanced.

---

[hrothgar]

2NT.

Isn't this hand the reason that sane people play good/bad Michaels? I have a wonderful hand for partner. Give him the expected 1=5=5=2 with a couple red suit Kings and my first round controls make for a powerful offensive holding. At the same time, I'm unwilling to try for a perfect 5m with 18 HCP... Preempting with a pass or correct 4C is a losing proposition. My Spade length makes it less likely that the opponents can compete in Spades. 4C will hopelessly jam our own constructive auctions if partner has the strong hand type (if partner has a storng hand, slam is a possibility)

[mike777]

2NT

EXPECTING OUR FIRST UNANIMOUS POLL ANSWER.

With strong P does not rebid minor at 3 level but shows major. Assume this is standard but look forward to other methods.

[luke warm]

2nt also

[pclayton]

2N - but those that think this is an easy hand are kidding themselves.

Wouldn't I also bid 2N on: xxxxx, xx, xxx, xxx? If so, partner can't get too excited even with the strong variety of Michaels. So I'll know partner's minor, but won't have a clue to his strength, unless he has a mountain and doesn't bid 3 of a minor.

Much better to play 2N to clarify partner's hand (3♣ / 3♦ = weak, 3♥ / 3♠ = strong with corresponding minor) and minor and 3♣ as pass / correct.

[Free]

3♣ P/C

[jillybean]

3♣ - 2nt would confuse both me and my p

[Fluffy]

I voted for 3♣ but I don't really see the difference with 2NT, except the fact that you give LHO 2 options to bid. Those of you who have talked about this situation, what is the difference between them?

Now I think a bit on it, it seems like similar to multi, you could bid 2NT with verylong club hoping to have another bid, while you could do the same with 3♣ if you held ♦. Therefore 2NT should show better ♣ than ♦ when you were weak.

[HeartA]

Wow, I am the only one voting for 3♠.

[awm]

Of the poll questions, this seems like the one that's closest to being a question about system rather than judgement. It seems like there are two popular treatments:

(1) 3♣ is pass/correct to play in partner's minor. 2NT is some sort of asking bid for strength.

(2) 2NT is asking for partner's minor. 3♣ is natural and suggests playing there.

I voted for 2NT, since I believe (2) is more standard. Also, it may be reasonable to push on to five of a minor with this hand, especially if partner's minor is clubs and he has a non-minimum. If 2NT is asking strength/shape then I can bid on opposite a max, and if 2NT is just a minor ask I can raise 3♣ from partner to 4♣.

[inquiry]

HeartA, on May 5 2005, 06:35 PM, said:

Wow, I am the only one voting for 3♠.

You will have some esteemed company shortly... :-)

[inquiry]

mike777, on May 5 2005, 02:26 PM, said:

2NT

EXPECTING OUR FIRST UNANIMOUS POLL ANSWER.

With strong P does not rebid minor at 3 level but shows major. Assume this is standard but look forward to other methods.

Another prediction bites the dust...

[hrothgar]

Jlall, on May 6 2005, 01:47 AM, said:

Fluffy: what if you are not weak? Do you really want to play 3C if partner has hearts and clubs? game is very good opposite as little as

x
AQxxx
xx
KQxxx

Hand looks a bit strong for 2NT...

[mike777]

Jlall, on May 5 2005, 05:47 PM, said:

Fluffy: what if you are not weak? Do you really want to play 3C if partner has hearts and clubs? game is very good opposite as little as

x
AQxxx
xx
KQxxx

And is 3C not just clubs?

This is really the main issue on hand, what the heck does p have for michaels bid.
On bbo and in real life it seems 99% say weak or strong but then have int hand such as Justin's example. Hope the panel speaks on what is common expert practice.

[Double !]

2NT
please tell me your minor?
see what partner rebids

[P_Marlowe]

Fluffy, on May 5 2005, 04:44 PM, said:

I voted for 3♣ but I don't really see the difference with 2NT, except the fact that you give LHO 2 options to bid. Those of you who have talked about this situation, what is the difference between them?

Now I think a bit on it, it seems like similar to multi, you could bid 2NT with verylong club hoping to have another bid, while you could do the same with 3♣ if you held ♦. Therefore 2NT should show better ♣ than ♦ when you were weak.

Hi,

I voted for 2NT as well.
The difference between 2NT and 3C in my regular partnership is,
that 2NT promises always atleast invitational strength.
This is necessary, because we play the michales cue with continuos
ranges.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[han]

3C is pass or correct, 2NT shows interest in game, which is what we have. Partner will bid his/her minor with a minimal hand, in which case we will pass, or bids the corresponding major with a better hand.

If you play good/bad Michaels than you don't need to bid 2NT.. partner will bid again with the big hands.

[Gerben42]

Agree with Hannie. I would play 3♣ as pa/co but not use it here, unless we play good/bad Michaels which I would prefer.

[helene_t]

HeartA, on May 6 2005, 12:35 AM, said:

Wow, I am the only one voting for 3♠.

Don't wory, I join you.

The alternative is first 2NT then 3♠ but that sounds more minor-suit oriented to me.