[rogerclee]

FrancesHinden, on Apr 27 2008, 02:28 AM, said:

Because I know it's the opponents' hand, and I want to pre-empt them?  No
Because I want a heart lead?  No
Because I know I want to play in hearts? No
Because it describes my hand well and lets partner makes an informed decision? No
Because I have any idea what the right level or strain is?  No

I think I should've phrased it as "I am surprised nobody has discussed a 4♥ opening."

I am not seriously defending 4♥; there is just too much defense, the trumps are god-awful, and diamonds could easily be the right strain. I just think that people, in general, do not open 4M enough. 4M is a huge pressure bid that has so many ways to win. Change the red suits around and I would auto 4♥.

[rbforster]

ArtK78, on Apr 24 2008, 02:49 PM, said:

And if you don't play the hand (someone has to have spades) the heart lead that you are going to get will be a disaster.

Well I don't worry about the lead on this one since I'm going to keep bidding until I declare . At least to 5♦ anyway.

It seems like finding 5♥X-2 for -300 is still a fine sacrifice over 4♠ making (-620) on the actual hand. Even if you could find 5♦ instead of 5♥, it's not clear to me you'd do much better since you might get your K♥ ruffed going for the heart ruff in dummy. I think that QJ♦ offside is probably getting a trick in either contract unless you peek better than I do.

[Hanoi5]

Quote

So? Nth can make 4S and EW can make 5D. What has this got to do with the opening bid or my comment about the "runaway bus"?

What if the opponents get to 5♠? What would you lead with East-s hand?

[skjaeran]

I'd never supress a 6-card major suit. Unless I had a 7-bagger somewhere else, that is.

Clear 1♥.

[jdonn]

rogerclee, on Apr 27 2008, 04:57 AM, said:

I think I should've phrased it as "I am surprised nobody has discussed a 4♥ opening."

It doesn't warrant any discussion at all.

I don't understand neilkaz's comment that he is worried about playing in 5♥ instead of 5♦ if the opening is 1♥. I can't think of a single auction where this would happen.