[kenrexford]

If partner has ♠AKx ♥AKx ♦Axx ♣KQxx, slam is really good. So, not crazy to think about it.

The problem is how to find it.

It would be nice to be able to bid something like flags here (3♥ as slammish with clubs, 3♠ as slammish with diamonds), which is not practical in the normal approach to bidding. Split this strong balanced hand between two bids not on strength (Kokish) but on pattern (one with 4-5 spades, one with 2-3 spades), for example, and you can incorporate these types of moves more cheaply.

What you need here is an ability to show interest only if partner can essentially super-accept clubs, which is difficult, as 4NT is not necessarily safe.

[cherdano]

It seems close, but I would bid 3N.

[han]

I would bid 4C for sure.

[655321]

3NT for me.

[Impact]

Surely this is worth a 4NT bid - over which opener who wishes to accept will bid minor suit length. The hand is strong enough to invite slam and all the more so in a suit.

That may still miss slams with good C eg CAKQ or KQT in opener, but is probably the best bet (and passes the buck!).

The problem with bidding 4C on this hand over 3D is tat you will not be able to backtrack and the suit is weak -albeit 5 cards.

4NT is middle ground (and another hand which is a good advertisement for the extra space available to big club/forcing passers with relays).

regards

[P_Marlowe]

3NT, and I dont think it is close, the reason:

#1 You have at most 32HCP between you, you
hold a bad 8 count, partner at best a bad 24
count, i.e. together you have at beast a bad
combined 32 count.
#2 You have no safe and sure way to find out, if
you have a club fit, since 3H / 3S would be Smolen
(just guessing), 3NT to play, and 4C being Gerber
or showing 6-4 shape?
Hence the only option you have is 4NT, which will
lead to more bad slams, than good slams.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[Edmunte1]

3NT, not close for me.

[ewj]

I would defo bid 4C. Can't say I thought it might be close not to.

[paulg]

Very close but I'd sign off in 3NT. Probably bid 4♣ if I held ♣J10xxx.

Paul

[han]

I bid 3NT when I had this hand at the table. I ran a simulation yesterday. It said that double dummy we have a 53% chance of making 6C. I think that double dummy favors declarer in this case but given that we can make just a light slam try (by bidding 4C and then not cooperating if partner cues), I think that 4C must be the winner.

[nige1]

Jlall, on Sep 14 2008, 08:55 PM, said:

Qx QTxx Kx J9xxx. Starting with partner:
2C 2D
2N 3C
3D ?
2D was just waiting, 2N shows 22 to a bad 24, 3C stayman, 3D no major. I tanked for a long time on this one, am I crazy?

Probably but your Bridge judgement is not in question
IMO 4♣ = 10, 3N = 9 4N = 5.

[pclayton]

Tank is obvious.

I think the hands where slam is cold are very few: Axx AKx Ax AKxxx. OTOH, there are a lot of hands like: AKJ Axx Axxx AKx where slam is pretty lousy.

If I could offer 4♣ and 'retreat' to 4N over a cue, this would be a possible action, but does anyone really play it like this?

I'd bid 3N and be prepared to apologize.

[ewj]

pclayton, on Sep 15 2008, 10:17 AM, said:

Tank is obvious.

I think the hands where slam is cold are very few: Axx AKx Ax AKxxx. OTOH, there are a lot of hands like: AKJ Axx Axxx AKx where slam is pretty lousy.

If I could offer 4♣ and 'retreat' to 4N over a cue, this would be a possible action, but does anyone really play it like this?

I'd bid 3N and be prepared to apologize.

yeh that was actually what i was thinking...but thought 4n was probably KC:(

[mike777]

3nt

I got a balanced hand across from a balanced hand.

I can see less well oiled partnerships having a problem with what is 4nt later....

at MP I can see 3nt being a pretty good score.

Minor suit slams are often tough to bid

[NickRW]

kenrexford, on Sep 15 2008, 02:04 AM, said:

...What you need here is an ability to show interest only if partner can essentially super-accept clubs, which is difficult, as 4NT is not necessarily safe.

Well, 4N is not guaranteed, but seems highly likely. Likely enough in my book that this is worth a look if playing IMPs. It is a harder question playing MP in my view.

Nick

[skjaeran]

Crazy or not has nothing to do with this hand.....
I understand why you had a problem.
I'd go for 3NT, but it's close.