[HeavyDluxe]

This definitely doesn't qualify as an interesting hand, but it was sure a source of unpleasantries...

Scoring: IMP

---

I suppose there were two issues being discussed:

1) Are you upgrading this to a 2NT opener?

2) If you open 1♣...

1♣ - 1♦
??

What is your second bid and why?

[pooltuna]

HeavyDluxe, on Oct 7 2009, 09:25 AM, said:

This definitely doesn't qualify as an interesting hand, but it was sure a source of unpleasantries...

Dealer: South Vul: None Scoring: IMP

♠ AKJT ♥ Qxx ♦ QJ ♣ AQxx

I suppose there were two issues being discussed:

1) Are you upgrading this to a 2NT opener?

2) If you open 1♣...

1♣ - 1♦
??

What is your second bid and why?

Not upgrading to 2NT since that shows IMO 20-21

2NT because it shows a balanced 18-19 and does not deny a 4 card major.

[jdonn]

1. I thought you were going to ask if we downgrade it to a 16-18 notrump. That question would be closer.

2. 2NT, I have 18-19 balanced.

[Jlall]

QJ doubleton is a very very bad holding. If you are ever going to subtract points that is the best holding to do it for.

Qxx is also not great when you have this many points, you prefer to have a supporting honor with it (even the ten makes a big difference).

Pretty much the only good feature about your hand is the ST. Obviously AKJT is better than AKJx.

So as jdonn said, it's closer to a downgrade than an upgrade.

As far as your second question, rebid 2N rather than showing your major with this type of hand. If partner has 4 spades you can still get to spades. If you do not play a walsh style it is possible you will lose your spade fit when partner has a dead minimum with 4 spades and passes 2N. This is a very rare occurance though and it's best to just describe the nature of your hand. Bidding 1S is NF, and bidding 2S would show a different hand type (4S, 5+C).

[HeavyDluxe]

Thanks, guys. I at least win the public post-mortem.

[ArtK78]

I completely agree that this is NOT a 2NT opening bid.

And the obvious rebid over 1♦ is 2NT.

But I would not quibble with a 1♠ rebid, especially at IMPs. It is hard to contruct a hand where partner would pass 1♠ and we have a game.

[HeavyDluxe]

I typically don't get too bent out of shape over 'experts' giving me some 'tips' at the table... But this hand went to far.

Cap'n America suggested that I either should've upgraded to a 2NT open or *jump-shifted* to 2♠ on my rebid. He passed my 2NT holding a lame 7-count, but it was still a 7-count. LHO & RHO, who seemed to be his darling fans, had a good chuckle.

I made a bet I could post it on the B/I forum and find no one who agreed with his pontifications. Thread closed.

[pooltuna]

HeavyDluxe, on Oct 7 2009, 11:52 AM, said:

I typically don't get too bent out of shape over 'experts' giving me some 'tips' at the table... But this hand went to far.

Cap'n America suggested that I either should've upgraded to a 2NT open or *jump-shifted* to 2♠ on my rebid. He passed my 2NT holding a lame 7-count, but it was still a 7-count. LHO & RHO, who seemed to be his darling fans, had a good chuckle.

I made a bet I could post it on the B/I forum and find no one who agreed with his pontifications. Thread closed.

consider Lt. America officially demoted

[neilkaz]

jdonn, on Oct 7 2009, 10:49 AM, said:

1. I thought you were going to ask if we downgrade it to a 16-18 notrump. That question would be closer.

2. 2NT, I have 18-19 balanced.

I was going to say the same thing about downgrading to 16-18 ! Anyhow, the given hand is far from an upgrade to 2NT. The floating QJ is a serious weakness and the Qxx isn't so good either. OK there's some benefit to AKJT but this 19 count looks to be no better than a decent 18 count to me. I wouldn't downgrade if playing 16-18 (which I would try not to be playing) but...

LOL at the suggestion to upgrade !

EDIT and I should add GAG at him passing with a 7 count after your 2N and then blaming you for missing game.

[Cyberyeti]

pooltuna, on Oct 7 2009, 12:16 PM, said:

HeavyDluxe, on Oct 7 2009, 11:52 AM, said:

I typically don't get too bent out of shape over 'experts' giving me some 'tips' at the table... But this hand went to far.

Cap'n America suggested that I either should've upgraded to a 2NT open or *jump-shifted* to 2♠ on my rebid.  He passed my 2NT holding a lame 7-count, but it was still a 7-count.  LHO & RHO, who seemed to be his darling fans, had a good chuckle.

I made a bet I could post it on the B/I forum and find no one who agreed with his pontifications.  Thread closed.

consider Lt. America officially demoted

Agreed, I think you should punch him on the nose for thinking a combined 25-26 and your declarer play is insufficient to make 3N, unless of course that's usually true

[MattieShoe]

I play 2NT as 20-21 so no, I wouldn't open that as 2NT. In addition to being short on points, QJ doubleton is ugly.

After 1♣ - 1♦, I jumpshift to 2NT. Partner now knows points and shape, and can bid 3NT or explore slam. Assuming the JS indicates 18 points and partner already indicated 6+, partner should almost never be passing.