[jtfanclub]

Hmmm...actually, I suppose this could go into the Precision forum....

Let's suppose, for the sake of the argument, that the opener's 1♦ shows...

3 diamonds only if exactly (41)-3-5
4 diamonds only if exactly (41)-4-4 or 2-2-4-5 with small doubletons
and otherwise 5+ diamonds, not 5332.

Is it a valid system to have 2♦ be semi-forcing over the 2♣, and an X mean 'if you have 4+ clubs, I'm all in favor of playing at 2♣ doubled'?

And if so, would that change you decision on bidding 2♣?

[hotShot]

You hold 12 HCP and opener showed 11-15. So you know where 23-27 HCP are placed. Your partner has (13-17) / 2 = 6.5 - 8.5 HCP on average.
Assume you pass, what strength does your partner need to enter the auction?
A 2 level-contract will usually make or won't loose more than 1-2 tricks, if you have 18+ HCP and a fit.
So if you hold 12 HCP like this hand, most of the times you and your partner have a combined strength of 18-23 (which you have on average) you risk a bad score because you let opps play their fit on the lowest level. Additionally you do not even get help to find the best lead for your side.

@jtfanclub
Knowing that we have the majority of points a lot of times, why should I change my bidding style? So I'll take some dbled down and gain some dbled made or with overtricks. On the long run, bidding is the winning strategie (with suitable points and distributions).

[kenberg]

The other day,after a 1S bid on my right and me with a similar holding in hearts I passed. The bad news was that pard had four hearts. The good news was that at least at some tables where hearts were bid, opponents continued to compete to four spades, were doubled, and made it. We defended a simple part score.

Who knows what's right, but I take the thoughts of everyone seriously and the thoughts of Fred very seriously. I would pass, but maybe it's wrong.

[mikeh]

2♣ seems clear to me... yes, I know that 'clear' is probably an overbid, but I have for years believed that it is imperative to take chances over a 1♦ opening, when holding clubs. Take away that one level major suit response!

I would not make the same bid if they had opened 1major and I had the Qxx in their major.

I would not make the same bid if red v white: I'd have to be at the table to know if I'd do it red v red: I certainly know some fine players who would but I suspect I'd be too chicken.

[Apollo81]

flytoox, on Jan 30 2007, 11:37 PM, said:

White all, you hold:
S:A9X
H:JT
D:Q8X
C:KQT86

RHO opens 1D(Precision but promises 3+). Do you overcall 2C or pass?

Yes. It's a decent suit and the value of 2♣ is huge over their 1♦.

If they opened 1♥ I'd double and if they opened 1♠ I'd pass.

[mikestar]

From the standpoint of safety, it doesn't really matter how many diamonds 1♦ shows--all the short diamond hands in Precision have long clubs. Where it does make a difference is in what you can expect to gain by jamming their auction. Your odds are quite good if they promise 0 or 1 diamond, fairly good if they promise 2, iffy if they promise 3 and rather poor if they promise 4+.

For me, this hand is borderline on the actual enemy system, I would overcall if they promised 2 or less and pass against those mighty few who play Real Diamond Precision.

[Winstonm]

2C at matchpoints, pass at imps.

[han]

I like to bid 2C over 1D but Arend says it is not his style, so maybe I shouldn't bid 2C either. Hmm, Fred says that winning bridge players bid 2C.. count me in with the winners then!

[mike777]

I like this post, a man who stands on his own principles.

[han]

You can count on me Mike, they call me Mr Spineless.