[plaur]

3♣ - p - p - 3♦
p - ?

---

RHO opens 3♣ in first seat. I was in doubt both at the first and second bidding round I am seeking advice on how to make the best decision.
1) Do you agree pass or would you make a takeout double?
2) How do you evaluate the hand when partner bids 3♦ in the takeout seat?
Does vulnerability or form of scoring influence the hand evaluation?

[han]

I think this hand is too light for a takeout double at any form of scoring and any vulnerability, but it isn't far off.

After partner bids 3D I'm forcing to at least 5D. 4♣ seems the best start.

[pclayton]

Occasionally you will get a bidding problem from hell. Your hand really wants to play 3N, but can't, since there is no intelligent probe available.

The chances of pard having a club honor, or the suit is blocking is pretty good. And if we are off the club suit, we probably aren't making 5♦ anyway. LHO didn't raise, remember?

I'd probably settle for 4♦, which should be a strong move toward 5♦.

But I really want to bid 3N

[pclayton]

edited

[cinvent77]

Partner is certainly counting on some of our points, so I'm not sure if this hand is worth forcing to 5♦. Would 3♠ be an option? That must be constructive and can hardly show a good spade suit since we didn't follow 3♠ right away. Partner can raise with four, bid 3NT or sign-off in 4♦.

[pclayton]

cinvent77, on Feb 14 2007, 06:53 PM, said:

Partner is certainly counting on some of our points, so I'm not sure if this hand is worth forcing to 5♦. Would 3♠ be an option? That must be constructive and can hardly show a good spade suit since we didn't follow 3♠ right away. Partner can raise with four, bid 3NT or sign-off in 4♦.

Wishful thinking

I think 3♠ shows something like: ♠AQJxx, ♥Kxx, ♦xx, ♣xxx

[firmit]

I'd takeout - anyday.
If partner got some values, he'll show them. If not my next bid is pass ( if his bid is non-forcing ).

Given situation, I'll bid 5♦.

[P_Marlowe]

1) Yes, simply ask yourself how you feel, if West makes a Redouble
2) Take away a King and you have an invitation, i.e. simply
bid 4D

With kind regards
Marlowe

[mike777]

Pass over 3clubs

4D now.....

[the hog]

An initial pass, followed by 4D. I originally thought of 3S, but agree with Phil's comments.

[cinvent77]

pclayton is right, 3♠ is nonsense!

[inquiry]

You have a clear pass over 3♣. What to do next is, well, a crap shoot. But I disagree with Hannie. Partner is balancing and is bidding our combined points. I am not going to get too excited about my 12 hcp. The more I have, the less parner could have. So I am not going to force to 5♦. After all, would you not want partner to bid 3♦ on... x Qxx KQJTxxx xx.

It would seem to 4♦ or perhaps 4♣ both as game tries in diamonds would be enough. With 4♣ being the stronger variety. At matchpoints, I might just pass 3♦ at all other forms I would raise to 4♦ (I don't think this is strong enough for 4♣ game try).

[whereagles]

I have a queen above expectancy. That's not enough to move on, especially with this unremarkable hand.

Would have dbled initially, though.