[mr1303]

Scoring: MP

---

Bidding proceeds:

1♥ 1♠ P 2♥
3♣ ?

2♥ is an unassuming cue-bid, usually showing a good spade raise. What do you do from here?

[mike777]

x..loud!!!!!!!!!!!!


partner has made a limit raise..I got 16 hcp!

[whereagles]

I got the feeling pard has raised with either

KQJx
xxx
Kxxx
xx

or

KQx
Kxx
Kxxx
xxx

or the last hand with the king in clubs.

Opposite the 1st hand we have 4 losers, so the best is probably to enlist pard's help and bid 3♦. With a bit of luck we'll be at the right contract the next round

[Codo]

I have the possibility to show my second suit and my additional strength with 3 Diamond, so this is what I bid.

[helene_t]

Dbl. I have extras and defensive values.

[Walddk]

3♦, natural and extras, although it's marginal. It's not really a 16 count on this auction, but the 1♠ overcall could have been worse.

Roland

[han]

Agree with Roland.

[david_c]

This has to be the world's worst 16-count on the auction. The honours in clubs and hearts are worth very little, and there is every possibilty of a bad split in spades. And yet I still can't bring myself to do anything less than bid game. So 4♠ for me.

I don't like 3♦, because the ♦K is the card I least want partner to have.

[moysian]

Dealer: East
Vul: Both
Scoring: MP

♠ A9874
♥ Q9
♦ AQJ6
♣ QJ


Offensively, my 16-count plays like an 11-count. Like you, I play a non-jump Q as not promising a big spade fit - just values. On that basis alone, I favor seeking a penalty over trying to score game in spades.

On the other hand, it helps to know the opposition. Opener has bid very provacitively in the face of unfavorable vulnerability and opposition strength. If you trust your opponent's ability to make sound decisions (or distrust your partner), I'd opt for 3d, and probably would pass a 3s bid by P (spades rate to break poorly).

On the flip side, if LHO is a stranger in a pick-up game and you absolutely trust partner's judgment, then double. Assume partner will be able to work things out. If he pulls to 3s, I'm still tempted to pass.

[keylime]

I like 3♦. Doubling with Q-x in their suits sitting in the wrong spot might take one trick cumulatively. I also treat this call as counter-inviting.

[flytoox]

I like 3D too. I want to show where my strength is and that will help pd to make a wise decision.

[P_Marlowe]

X, wtp?

2H may or may not be passed on a fit
(most likely), but my spade suit is rotten
and I have lots of strength out side spade.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[mr1303]

It seems the panel seem fairly split between double and 3♦. As it was, X was the right result. The full hands:

---

East didn't have anything approaching a 3♣ bid and would have made at most 3 tricks in a contract their way, going for-1700. Unfortunately I chose 3♦, and partner tried 4♠, which was quite a nasty contract on the heart lead. Perhaps partner should have bid 3NT.

[Blofeld]

mr1303, on Jun 7 2006, 04:27 AM, said:

East didn't have anything approaching a 3♣ bid and would have made at most 3 tricks in a contract their way, going for-1700.

I believe East can scramble 4 tricks in a club contract.

[pigpenz]

i would think after 3♦ call might be easier to bid 3nt

[cf_John0]

North should bid 3NT after PD's 3♦