[CSGibson]

Scoring: MP

(2♦)-?

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South first to bid after a 2 diamond preempt to start. No opposing bidding after the initial preempt.

[skjaeran]

3♣ - 3NT
4NT - pass

[aguahombre]

skaeran, on Apr 18 2009, 12:11 PM, said:

3♣ - 3NT
4NT - pass

I admit, opposite MY partner, who always has respectable values for direct 3-level overcalls, i would end up in 5C, after trying for spade fit and suggesting club slam.

[CSGibson]

Just curious, Skaeran's auction contains at least three decisions that I classify as views (neither necessarily unreasonable, but views nonetheless), which are:

1. Bid 3C right away instead of planning to X and bid clubs, or bidding 3 diamonds stopper asking

2. Deciding to bid 3N instead of 3 spades, and

3. Bidding 4N instead of 4 hearts (which should only be a 4 card suit if playing leaping Michaels)

Since all of these views are supported by being able to see both hands, I'm wondering if anybody would take different actions at the table.

[Cascade]

CSGibson, on Apr 19 2009, 06:44 AM, said:

3. Bidding 4N instead of 4 hearts (which should only be a 4 card suit if playing leaping Michaels)

Side question:

How do you play Leaping Michaels on this auction?

4♣ club and either major?

4♦ Both Majors

or something else.

I don't like the ambiguity if 4♣ shows either major.

[JLOL]

I prefer X to 3C. Even with the devalued stiff K, if we can get to hearts because I double I'm happy. Also I would be scared of missing a cold game if 3C is passed out

It is definitely dangerous to double with a stiff spade though, typically partner will play you for a doubleton later on. Oh well, at least it's the king

After the double North can bid 4S or start with 3D. I think 3D is the right bid.

Over 3D south will bid 4C. After 4C north will bid 4S.

Over 4S south will bid 5C I guess, the slower route to 4S doesn't sound like 6 good ones.

So..

X 3D
4C 4S
5C

I think.

[skjaeran]

CSGibson, on Apr 18 2009, 07:44 PM, said:

Just curious, Skaeran's auction contains at least three decisions that I classify as views (neither necessarily unreasonable, but views nonetheless), which are:

1. Bid 3C right away instead of planning to X and bid clubs, or bidding 3 diamonds stopper asking

2. Deciding to bid 3N instead of 3 spades, and

3. Bidding 4N instead of 4 hearts (which should only be a 4 card suit if playing leaping Michaels)

Since all of these views are supported by being able to see both hands, I'm wondering if anybody would take different actions at the table.

1. I agree that 3♣ is on the heavy side, but I think that's the best bid with the hand. But it's very close to doubling.

2. At MP I'm, reluctant to bypass 3NT, when that might very possibly be the best contract. So I'd bury the spade suit and bid 3NT. Partner will never bid 3NT over 3♠.

3. This is the closest decision in my opinion - and I overlooked rebidding 4♥ when I posted above. I'd probably have rebid 4♥ at the table.

[jdonn]

I really detest overcalling 3♣. To me the hand is just clearly too good and far too many games will be missed by 3♣. Not sure I would have such a good auction after that though, but I think I would reach 5♣.

[karlson]

I think especially at MP, I would probably start with the detestable 3♣. North would bid 3n and play it there.

I actually play transfers over this with some people, in which case north could transfer to spades and then bid 3n.

[CSGibson]

Cascade, on Apr 18 2009, 11:54 AM, said:

CSGibson, on Apr 19 2009, 06:44 AM, said:

3. Bidding 4N instead of 4 hearts (which should only be a 4 card suit if playing leaping Michaels)

Side question:

How do you play Leaping Michaels on this auction?

4♣ club and either major?

4♦ Both Majors

or something else.

I don't like the ambiguity if 4♣ shows either major.

I play 4 clubs as an unspecified major, and 4 diamonds as both majors. I agree that 4 clubs can create problems, and I'm wondering if you (or anyone else) has a better way of playing it.