[mtvesuvius]

All NV at IMPs you hold:

AKQxxx
--------
KTxx
xxx

LHO deals:

(P) - 1♥ - (1NT*) - ?

*Assumed to be standard

Say you double:

(P) - 1♥ - (1NT*) - X
(P) - 2♠ - (P) - ?

and how do you interpret 2♠?

[aguahombre]

weak....spades....probably 4 6?

[jdonn]

I think he should be a minimal 5-6. It is still possible the 1NT could be legit, and even if it's not we can easily have two losers in the minors. Since I can't think of any way to investigate given partner's unexpected interference in our plans, I'll just bid 4♠.

[the hog]

jdonn, on Jul 7 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

I think he should be a minimal 5-6. It is still possible the 1NT could be legit, and even if it's not we can easily have two losers in the minors. Since I can't think of any way to investigate given partner's unexpected interference in our plans, I'll just bid 4♠.

If he had a minimum with 5-6, he would open 1S. I suspect he has a pile of rubbish and is 4-6. I would bid 4S.

[Cascade]

Normally 5=6 weak. I suppose 4=6 could be possible.

Since 3♦ would be natural and forcing now, I think 4♦ should be some sort of spade raise. A splinter is too specific given that we have no cue-bid so I think it makes sense just to show a control. If so then the choice is between 4♦ and 4♠ - given our heart shortage and spade strength it is a given that partner will have very good hearts (increasing the chance I think that he has five spades since with four manky spades and six good hearts he might bid 2♥) so I am not entirely convinced that I have enough for 4♦. On the other hand it could easily be enough opposite 5=6=2=0 for example.

[jdonn]

The_Hog, on Jul 6 2009, 07:56 PM, said:

jdonn, on Jul 7 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

I think he should be a minimal 5-6. It is still possible the 1NT could be legit, and even if it's not we can easily have two losers in the minors. Since I can't think of any way to investigate given partner's unexpected interference in our plans, I'll just bid 4♠.

If he had a minimum with 5-6, he would open 1S. I suspect he has a pile of rubbish and is 4-6. I would bid 4S.

If you would open Jxxxx AKQxxx x x with 1♠ then we have very different styles. I don't think 1♥ is very difficult to visualize given that we are staring at the AKQ of spades...

[655321]

Agree weak 5-6 and 4♠ now.

Still the whole thing seems odd, if the NT bidder has 2 spades then LHO was willing to sit 1NTX with a void. But pulling 1NTX to a higher ranking 4 card suit with a weak hand is just too bad to contemplate.

[kenrexford]

Depends on with whom I'm playing. With the average idiot, I think they took X as negative. If so, we have a fit.

If a normal, intelligent player, wow. 5-6 makes sense.

Either way, 4♠ looks right.

[aguahombre]

4s no matter what he has.....4-6, 5-6, we will find out shortly at about trick 3. Adam's question was what opener has....we all seem to agree weak opener

[TimG]

The_Hog, on Jul 6 2009, 07:56 PM, said:

jdonn, on Jul 7 2009, 07:33 AM, said:

I think he should be a minimal 5-6. It is still possible the 1NT could be legit, and even if it's not we can easily have two losers in the minors. Since I can't think of any way to investigate given partner's unexpected interference in our plans, I'll just bid 4♠.

If he had a minimum with 5-6, he would open 1S. I suspect he has a pile of rubbish and is 4-6. I would bid 4S.

If he's running from 1NTX, wouldn't he try 2♥ with 46xx? He has no guarantee of a spade fit and if he's so weak that he's scared of defending 1NX, he should also be worried that the doubling will start, shouldn't he? Especially when he is bidding on JTxx at best. So, wouldn't it be better not to bypass 2♥ in case that is the safe landing spot?

[TimG]

aguahombre, on Jul 6 2009, 08:49 PM, said:

4s no matter what he has.....4-6, 5-6, we will find out shortly at about trick 3. Adam's question was what opener has....we all seem to agree weak opener

I don't think opener's 2♠ says he is weak (as in sub-minimum), I think it says he is distributional. He could have a perfectly sound opening bid. I think opener's worry is that the penalty against 1NTX (if it exists) won't compensate for the game (or rarely slam).

Give opener something like JTxxx KQJxxx Ax -- and he might easily envision intervenor with the ♥A and some number of running clubs. Give responder AKxx Tx Kxxx xxx and there is plenty of room for intervenor to have his bid and little reason for responder to lead a non-heart against 1NTX.

[Jlall]

4C splinter

[Hanoi5]

Jlall, on Jul 6 2009, 11:42 PM, said:

4C splinter

*is reading Zia*

[jdonn]

I'm sure 4 of a minor should be a fit jump not a splinter, since hearts is by far your most likely short suit. Not that I've ever thought to discuss it. Actually I think a general rule that jumps in support of opener's rebid suit are fit jumps (really showing strength in the suit you jump in, not much length required) instead of splinters is very good. I already play it after a forcing 1NT response.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

#1 X, I am on lead, I know what to lead
#2 4S, 2S is natural, showing a (very) weak 54 opening hand

With kind regards
Marlowe

[bill1157]

It is very hard to see a hand that partner could have, where pulling the double to 2♠ could make sense. Why doesn't (s)he pass and lead a spade if 4-6 or 5-6?

Bill

[TimG]

bill1157, on Jul 7 2009, 01:43 PM, said:

It is very hard to see a hand that partner could have, where pulling the double to 2♠ could make sense. Why doesn't (s)he pass and lead a spade if 4-6 or 5-6?

Bill

That would be a lead out of turn, wouldn't it?