[Cascade]

CSGibson, on Dec 30 2007, 03:12 PM, said:

whereagles, on Dec 29 2007, 05:54 AM, said:

pclayton, on Dec 29 2007, 06:01 AM, said:

♠AKx
♥98xx
♦AQTx
♣AK

If 4N is natural (and why shouldn't it be, as Matt suggests) isn't this the perfect call?

no. that's a perfect direct 3NT overcall

A 3NT overcall should be a running tricks and a stop in the bid suit, not a balanced 20 count. Double is right, obviously, and 4 NT natural seems right also, since you have a 4 spade cue bid for all hands interested in club slams, although I understand that others may assign a special meaning to the 4NT bid, like a spade ask.

Disagree.

I would bid 3NT all of the time with say 4=2=3=4 20 count. Double would just encourage partner to bid 4♥, especially on a competitive auction, with marginal values and length in hearts.

Other balanced shapes that I have bid 3NT are 3=2=4=4, any 4-3-3-3, any 5♠-3-3-2 etc. I might even try 3NT with a singleton in the other major 4=1=4=4 for example especially with a stiff ace or king. Of course I would bid 3NT on hands with a long minor as well.

For me 3NT is just a hand too good for 2NT and unsuitable for a double with a stopper in the opponent's suit.

[jdeegan]

Have to respond key cards according to our system. If pard has a notrump type hand, it must be HUGE, and she is fishing for seven. It would have to be too big to bid 2NT or 3NT the first time. Sounds more like a club fit and a slam try. I am kinda a min for 4♣, we may get too high, but wtf, sometimes you get the bear, and sometimes the bear gets you.