[Creeksider]

Impossible hand

I ran into two "ïmpossibles" in the bidding of this hand. First, it's impossible to respond to the forcing 1NT bid within GIB's system. Although GIB's CC says a rebid of 2♥ does not promise 6 cards in the suit, the popup description says it does, when the bid follows a forcing 1NT response. Bidding either of the minors promises three in the suit, and any other bid promises more strength than this hand possesses (2♠ would be a reverse). Facing this situation I sometimes rebid the hearts anyway, but weakness in that suit led me to feel that a bid of 2♣ had less potential for disaster.

GIB's next bid is described as "impossible spade." The 1NT bid denies a 4-card spade suit, so this bid can't have its normal meaning. The description says it shows at least 4-card support in clubs and at least 10 points -- similar to cue bidding an opponent's suit. As far as I can tell this convention is not documented on GIB's convention card and I wonder if it should be.

I was concerned that GIB would force us into a club contract but we landed in a workable 3NT, so all's well that ends well.

[Gerardo]

2 ♣ with your hand is pretty much standard 2/1.

[Creeksider]

GIB won't bid 2♣ here because it requires 14+ total points for that bid.