Posted 2007-August-20, 17:30
So many systemic questions here. I'll make some guesses.
First, 2♦, per definition, is "GF Checkback." I cannot tell whether you auto-support spades as first priority or bid cheapest major holding of possible interest. I'll assume that 2♥ did not deny three hearts (would bid 2♥ with 3♠/4♥), in which case 2♠ did not promise six of them. Otherwise, unless 1NT is possible as a rebid with a stiff spade (don't know), then 2♠ would have set trumps and cuebidding would have started immediately (possibly with 3♣ as a pattern bid) and all sorts of nuances would now be available.
So, it seems that 2♠ simply promised 5+ spades, 3♣ was natural and not pattern bidding in the face of any established spade fit, and 3♠ merely natural with extras. Not sure how you contrast this 3♠ call from an immediate 3♠ over 2♥ or over 1NT, but let's assume that this is the only plausible auction to get across this message.
The next problem is methods. You have not said whether 3NT is a viable contract or is serious/frivolous (let alone your parameters for defining such a bid as frivolous or serious), what cuebidding style you use, whether LTTC is used, or anything. We know nothing about partner's hand, as no options (6-4 alternatives, self-splinters, etc.) are/were available to him.
So, do I like having a hand with 13 HCP's (a maximum), with a "two without the Queen" response to RKCB? Maybe, if partner has diamonds. But, I don't know how to send that message at this point with your methods.
Back way up. This hand is a good reason for a few rules. Had 1NT denied a stiff spade, and had your 2♦ call required a showing of three spades if you had held them, then Responder would have clearly established spades as trumps with his 2♠ call. You would then have two levels of possible pattern bidding and/or cuebidding to resolve all unknowns at a nice, safe level.
Maybe you cue 3♦ (not two top spades, not two top clubs, diamond Ace or King), partner cues 3♥ (heart control), you cue 3♠ (one of the top three spades), partner cues 3NT (Serious), you cue 4♣ (club control), partner cues 4♦, and you bid 4♠ (no heart control), sending out a lot of info. That might allow partner comfort at the five-level for some other calls, or someone might make a call that closes the auction down. Whatever.
It is very difficult, though, to assess an auction with dozens of unanswered questions, let alone to suggest any solutions.
"Gibberish in, gibberish out. A trial judge, three sets of lawyers, and now three appellate judges cannot agree on what this law means. And we ask police officers, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and citizens to enforce or abide by it? The legislature continues to write unreadable statutes. Gibberish should not be enforced as law."
-P.J. Painter.
Help
1♣ 1♠
1NT 2♦
2♥ 2♠
3♣ 3♠
?