[rhm]

hanp, on Oct 29 2009, 12:11 PM, said:

As east with xx Qxx AKxxx Axx I would bid:

1S - 2D
3D - 3NT
4C - 4D
4H - 5C

and respect partner's decision. I think that this describes the hand well.

So assume West bids now 5♦. Are there many hands given West's bidding where slam is worse than an even chance?
As I said before I think West should not move over 5♦ with his actual hand, because he has done more than enough already.
Once partner made another move over East's slightly dubious 3NT (xx, QTxx AKxxx AJ would be more appropriate) I think I would not stop below slam.
I am with Fred and Rodwell seems to be of the same opinion that with good diamond support you should raise immediately even without extras.
This means that you need to apply judgment when you look for slam. That is do I have more than minimum and and is my hand suitable for slam?

Rainer Herrmann