[gwnn]

Scoring: IMP

---

"IMP pairs" with 2 tables, so basically a small team game with 2 boards. On your seats there is a star and his p.

[whereagles]

3

NT, that is

[gwnn]

OK I should have specified. You play a very pedestrian 2/1 system, 3NT is classical gambling.

[Free]

This depends a lot on your preempting style. When playing classic, I think 4♥ is the right opening, when playing aggressive when unfavorable I think 1♥ is probably the best. 2♥ or 3♥ would never come up in my mind...

[Apollo81]

anyone who opens 2 needs to have his head examined

[FrancesHinden]

Jlall, on May 1 2007, 02:52 PM, said:

If I don't open 4 with this I don't know what I'll open 4 with. This hand has 0 defense with a long strong suit. Seems like a perfect candidate for a preempt.

wot 'e said

[ArcLight]

I voted for 3, rather than 4.
My reasoning:

There are 31 HCP remaining. Its possible pard has a chunk of them.
We can still make 3NT or 4♥, though we may end up in a part score making 4.
Pard will need some stoppers or cover cards to make game. Will he know to bid game with them? Maybe, maybe not.

Also, there is no assurance that the opps can make anything. If we bid 4, opps might not bid on with a combined 21 HCP. They will defend, or maybe double and we will be down 1 or more in 4♥.

Of course they might bid on, to 4♠ or 5♣♦, and pard can double them.

I just don't think that its so certain the opps can make anything. Bidding 4 will probably result in us being down 1. Let the opps charge in and find pard with a trump stack.

Maybe I'm too timid?

[kenrexford]

Most people play that 3NT, if Gambling, promises a minor.

I'm not sure I get that.

This also seems to scream 3NT as much as any similar hand with long clubs or diamonds.

However, rather than get into a silly argument with a partner who has no sense of humor, I'll open 4♥.

[skjaeran]

1st hand and favourable - nothing but 4♥ is appealing at all.

[pclayton]

This hand 'fits' my 3N opening (NAMYATS in a major), but only at these colors.

[whereagles]

gwnn, on May 1 2007, 09:41 AM, said:

OK I should have specified. You play a very pedestrian 2/1 system, 3NT is classical gambling.

I seem to have precisely that hand

[cherdano]

kenrexford, on May 1 2007, 08:15 AM, said:

Most people play that 3NT, if Gambling, promises a minor.

I'm not sure I get that.

This also seems to scream 3NT as much as any similar hand with long clubs or diamonds.

Obviously it doesn't scream as much, as it is easier to make 4♥ than 5♣.

[jdonn]

kenrexford, on May 1 2007, 09:15 AM, said:

Most people play that 3NT, if Gambling, promises a minor.

I'm not sure I get that.

This also seems to scream 3NT as much as any similar hand with long clubs or diamonds.

However, rather than get into a silly argument with a partner who has no sense of humor, I'll open 4♥.

Because if partner can have any suit you can rarely bid above the 4 level, and you miss the chance to bid high or sacrifice quickly with a big fit.

Like if partner opens gambling 3NT showing any suit and you have Qx x Axxxxx xxxx you can do nothing effective the times partner has clubs since you have to cater to him having hearts. And meanwhile if you do it with a major you let the opponents in a level lower. It's one of those bids that sounds cool in theory but really works badly in practice.

[bid_em_up]

4H.

3N if my methods allow for it.

Sorry Josh, I disagree with you. For every hand you may lose in your scenario, you may also gain when you:

1) double your chances of the bid actually occuring (a serious flaw with gambling 3N, imo, is that it does not occur very often)

2) slightly improve your chances of 3N actually making,

3) make it slightly more difficult for the opponents to enter the auction since they do not know if you hold a major or a minor. or

4) many pairs will have no discussed agreements after a 3N opening that can contain a major, but they will usually have some over a normal gambling 3N.

And are they really going to desire to come in with 4 of a minor (not game) if they think they may beat 3N? They will either pass or double in this scenario. They will not bid 4m. If they double, you can run and have lost nothing. If they pass expecting to beat, you will usually win big.

If you open 4H, your suit is known, and it makes their auctions/decisions easier.

Yes, it is a tradeoff. Its one I can live with.

[Halo]

I bid 4H.

I remember a very long time ago bidding 3H on a similar hand, and the very smooth auction to 4S by oppos depressed me so much I have never done it again.

I agree completely with Jdonn about M v m.