[microcap]

I have not posted a hand in a very long time. But we had one today that is seemingly simple yet caused enormous confusion so I thought I would make a comeback.

As usual, it is a two-part problem.

Both NV at MP, you hold xx AK109xx xx xxx in second seat. RHO opens 1 Spade.

What do you say? Please give a short summary of your thoughts.

After a decent number of responses I will get to part 2.

[jillybean]

Pass, we want more of an opening hand for 2H/1S

[smerriman]

Pass also, too weak for 2♥, too flat to consider something like 3♥.

[Cyberyeti]

3♥ every day of the week NV

[pescetom]

Seems to me it depends upon your agreements/style.
I would be comfortable bidding this over a minor opening, but not over spades even NV.

[apollo1201]

Same for me, not a 2/1 overcall, and lack of a singleton to bid 3H, but as NV it would not be the most atrocious bid seen in a 24-hand tourney.

[mike777]

 Cyberyeti, on 2025-January-02, 15:38, said:

3♥ every day of the week NV

Agree

[mw64ahw]

I'm happy with 2♥ given I play IJSs. I could play 2N as some preempt, but would want more than 5 playing tricks.

[johnu]

Cyberyeti, on 2025-January-02, 15:38, said:

3♥ every day of the week NV

Only days that end in a "y"

[smerriman]

mw64ahw, on 2025-January-02, 17:06, said:

I'm happy with 2♥ given I play IJSs.

How does this have any connection with IJS?

[jillybean]

 johnu, on 2025-January-02, 17:15, said:

Only days that end in a "y"

With a willing partner, I'm happy with 3H

[mw64ahw]

smerriman, on 2025-January-02, 18:14, said:

How does this have any connection with IJS?

The Intermediate Jump Shift Overcall bid is 3♥ not a preempt for me.

[smerriman]

mw64ahw, on 2025-January-02, 21:50, said:

The Intermediate Jump Shift bid is 3♥ not a preempt for me.

Neither, but this is a jump overcall, not a jump shift But I see now IJOs are a separate playable treatment, didn't realise that.

[mw64ahw]

smerriman, on 2025-January-02, 22:16, said:

Neither, but this is a jump overcall, not a jump shift But I see now IJOs are a separate playable treatment, didn't realise that.

Yep - Bound to get my mnemonics wrong at 350 am😶

[shyams]

At this vulnerability, I am comfortable bidding 3♥

[johnu]

mw64ahw, on 2025-January-02, 17:06, said:

I'm happy with 2♥ given I play IJSs. I could play 2N as some preempt, but would want more than 5 playing tricks.

Even playing IJO (intermediate jump overcalls), 2♥ doesn't show a preemptive hand.

[jillybean]

microcap, on 2025-January-02, 14:49, said:

After a decent number of responses I will get to part 2.

Have we satisfied the criteria?

[TMorris]

Cyberyeti, on 2025-January-02, 15:38, said:

3♥ every day of the week NV

Me too.

[mw64ahw]

johnu, on 2025-January-03, 17:03, said:

Even playing IJO (intermediate jump overcalls), 2♥ doesn't show a preemptive hand.

No it's not a pre-emptive hand for me especially in 2nd seat. My overcalls can be light with 8.5 mod. losers or 10+hcp. They also deny other shapes. Not sure I want to potentially go down 4.

[microcap]

Yes Jillybean and thanks so much for your input!

I am going to taunt everyone with a slightly different Part 2 format than normal. So there might be a Part 2b for the big reveal.


You are sitting in 4th seat, both sides not vulnerable. The auction has gone 1♠,3♥,Pass. I am going to give you 4 different hands, and please tell me what you would bid.
Short elaborations are welcome!

1) ♠853
♥Q632
♦AJ1084
♣ K

2) ♠1032
♥void
♦A8762
♣AKQ98

3) ♠976
♥Ax
♦AK1087
♣AQJ

4) ♠8
♥J32
♦AKJ64
♣AQJ5

Thanks in advance to all for your thoughts. Is there such a thing as a couples therapist for bridge partnerships? Someone probably tried it and then gave up because it was impossible!