Posted 2006-June-26, 07:02
Hand 1: Excellent suit for a preempt (much better than having an Ace), great shape, this is a 4♠ bid. In fact, I would still bid 4♠ if you move a small spade to a small heart.
Hand 2: I would open 2♥. Lots of side queens and kings does make this far from ideal, but I think your partner will get a better idea of your hand after 2♥ than after pass. However, pass is fine (in particular, if partner expects a better suit than that).
After 3♠, 10 hcp are screaming for a raise, but ♦K is likely wasted. Pass is conservative, but not silly.
Hand 3: A clear raise to 4♠. North has the expected 7 hcp, but good ones and (most importantly) shortness in clubs -- most likely partner doesn't have club shortness, so if he acts nevertheless, he must have a good hand.
Hand 4: I don't believe all bids are weak after a redouble, I have seen too many redoubles with 8-9 hcp, in which case it's your hand (particularly with the majors). This was a jump to 2♥ before the XX, and it's still a jump to 2♥ after that. Likely 9-card fit with 8-card side fit, so getting doubled is not a consideration.
The easiest way to count losers is to line up the people who talk about loser count, and count them. -Kieran Dyke