Posted 2006-December-27, 14:13
I really don't like the method, in which 2♣ shows 10+ hcp: it is a far cry from standard, altho that is not why I don't like it.
Anyway, having agreed to play it, I like the 2♠ rebid, and wouldn't seriously consider any alternative. After 3♥, 4♦ would never occur to me. How can we essentially force to 4♠ on this hand? That is what 4♦ does...unless by some minor miracle (sorry for the pun) partner holds 4+♦s!
Your logical choices must surely be 4♣ or 3♠. 3♠ would be the clear choice at mps, since even with a bad trump break, we rate to elope with our small trumps and partner will have something over there to help us win the needed outside tricks to outscore the ♣ partial that we are aiming for otherwise. At imps, it is a bit more difficult. However, on a bad ♠ break, our hand may be of very little use to partner, so I agree with Justin's 3♠ choice.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari