[Phil]

All matchpoints:

1. AQJxxx QJ KJxx x. red / white

1♠ - (2♥) - 3♥ - (5♥)
?

2. AJTx AJTxxx KTx void all vul

1♥ - (2N) - 3♦* - (pass)
?

3♦ = inv + with spades

[hanp]

1. It would be nice to know if pass is forcing. 3H doesn't create a forcing pass for me but 5H white vs red strongly suggests they are saccing which would. I would pass regardless.

2. 4C. I want to make a slam try and at the same time maximize the chance that I get to play 4S.

[JLOL]

1) 5S

2) 4C

[rogerclee]

1) I would like to make a forcing pass. I like that inv+ raises set up a forcing pass when we are r/w.

2) I would just bid 6♠, since there are plenty of hands where 6♠ will make only from our side and partner will bid 4♠ over 4♣. I think there are more of these than hands where we can bid 7♠ or stay out of slam with confidence.

[Codo]

1. As they surely defend, this is a clear forcing pass situation for me. But still 5 spade.

2. Roger confinced me that the advantages of playing spades from our side are bigger then the downsides of blasting, so 6 spade.

[whereagles]

1. Seems like opps guessed right by bidding 5. We in for a bad score unless we can make 5♠, so bid that.

2. 4♣. If pard happens to have a doubleton heart, 6 is not a candidate to make...

[Codo]

Of course 6 makes, just ruff the club lead and play a diamond...

[Fluffy]

On first one I think our hand doesn't look much different from a standard 1♠ opening. I will pass and let partner make something smart.

On the second I am really tempted to make a fake diamond splinter at the 5 level, but that's just because this is forums and not real life. I would probably bid a simple 4♣ as everyone else.

[Apollo81]

JLOL, on Apr 30 2009, 12:54 AM, said:

1) 5S

2) 4C

agree

[andy_h]

5S, 4C.

[Phil]

1. I thought 5♠ was clear. Turns out RHO was seriously jokering on xxx Txxx xx Jxxx.

Partner looking at xxx xx Axxx AKTx was not amused. 5♥ goes for a jillion.

After the hand I commented on how effective using 2N and 3♥ as spade raises was a good way to play. I think it would have really helped on this hand.

2. I just bid 4♠. I think wrong-siding spades is a very serious matter on this hand and 4♣ will create problems when partner does not have a red suit control to cue back. RHO could have raised clubs, so there's at least a suggestion some of pard's values are in clubs. As it turns out, it doesn't matter a whole lot.

[Echognome]

Darn. Didn't get to this in time.

On one I would have passed. I don't really see why my hand wants to force to the five level or suggest defending, but maybe partner has a better idea with his hand?

On the second one, I like the other's suggestions of 4♣. I won't drive all the way to slam, so I won't blast, but I can understand the motivation to blast.

[quiddity]

Why does everyone bid 5S or pass on the first hand? Assuming the cuebid sets up a forcing pass at the five level, I thought either of these bids would indicate nothing wasted in the enemy suit.

Edited.. Doh, I can't count. Still, with QJ wasted in hearts and a minimum hand is it right to suggest or bid 5S?