[straube]

4D. I think game isn't likely and I know 4D is an overbid. The opponents very likely have enough to bid 4S (even without being goaded into it) and I want to let partner decide whether to sacrifice. Hopefully, he has a better picture of our spade defense.

[raist]

ok i need to come clean. i was the one bid_em_up helped to post this (i was on my alternate account)

my bid at the table was 4D, which on hindsight, is bad, especially on that diamond SQ

i bid it with for two reasons:

1. it is (slightly) pre emptive (although won't stop them from bidding 4S, but would force them into a guess, and partner may have some spades that could cause them trouble)

2. i thought game to be unlikely, which is why i did not bid 3C


i guess there needs to be some discussion as to what 4D would be at these colours
but i bid it as absolutely not an invitation, with invitation, i would bid 3C/H/S

and yes, following normal principles, a raise of partner's suit in competition is not strength showing. so 2D/3D would all be weak-medium raises, with 3D being more shapely and weakish still

[cherdanno]

I kind of like 4♦. I think its better than 3♦.

[aguahombre]

How can you NOT like 4D? It shows your sixth diamond and helps partner decide what to lead if the opponents buy the contract.

[Jlall]

What does 4D even show? It's preemptive right?

[raist]

yes. i meant it as pre emptive

although it does not keep the opps out of 4S if they so choose to bid it, it forces them into a "last guess" position. they can't investigate 4S anymore

and hopefully they guess wrongly and my partner is there to make life difficult for them with his stack of spades