[1eyedjack]

Scoring = IMP (why does it not ask this in the hand editor?
1H = 11-15, 5+H
3H = preempt

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[paulg]

I'd pass. Holding at most two hearts partner has failed to make a takeout double and it seems unlikely that he has four spades and sufficient points to make bidding worthwhile now.

[1eyedjack]

Followup questions,then:

1) On the same distribution, how much stronger would you have to be in order to bid?
2) And what would you then bid?
3) Granted that this hand is not suitable, would you play 4m as Michaels, or just natural?

I have to say, even on this hand, letting the oppo play at 3 level in a 9 card fit goes against the grain.

[Cyberyeti]

paulg, on 2010-October-31, 08:39, said:

I'd pass. Holding at most two hearts partner has failed to make a takeout double and it seems unlikely that he has four spades and sufficient points to make bidding worthwhile now.

Well he doesn't need anything close to enough to act to make game worthwhile, QJxx, xx, Axxx, Qxx is plenty, and may not need the 4th spade.

I just don't see what you can do safely. Most of the time partner has a 10 count with some support, but sometimes opener has a 4513 15 count and you're cruising for a major bruising as partner has a motheaten long diamond suit in a 7 count.

[gnasher]

I think 4♣ should be clubs and spades. I'd need ♠Q or another club to bid it.

Whilst QJxx, xx, Axxx, Qxx is only a nine-count, it's also a nine-count with a double fit where every single high card is working, and it's only ♦Q away from making a takeout double..

[Cascade]

I play 4♣/♦ (and 4♥ = minors) as two suiters on this auction.

But this hand is not enough - i would be essentially forcing to 5♣ without much opposite.

[ggwhiz]

Not enough to act for me as pass - pass - balance from pard is still possible.

It's just as likely to go pass - 4♥ back to me but at matchpoints instead of imps, I wouldn't dump on a direct Kamikaze action.

[Fluffy]

4♥ is spades and a minor, so 4♣ is natural.

I am optimistic always, I'd bid 3♠, 4♥ drives us too high

[Venom]

Would help if the term "pre-emptive raise" was clarified further. Some people seem to use it interchangably with "mixed raise", especially in response to a limited major-suit opener.
I bid 3♠: P should have no more than 2 hearts. No one promised me a rose garden. Sometimes opps bidding places you into a pressure situation. Considering the fact that my partner was unable to take some form of action over 1 ♥, I strongly doubt that partner will or will be able to compete over 3♥ if I pass now. Who knows: perhap lho will bid 4♥/ 3♠ and my P is able to do something about it.

DHL/ DON aka Double !