[hrothgar]

Here is an interesting hand that cropped
up during a BBO tournament today.

MPs
Red versus Red

You hold

T975
Q52
K
KQ842

The auction starts

( P ) - P - (1H) - P
(2H) - P - ( P ) - ?

Rate the possible calls:

[pbleighton]

Can't double with a singleton diamond.

Can't bid spades with 4 to the 10.

Choices are Pass and 3 clubs. Vul, I pass reluctantly. NV, I might bid 3 clubs, but actually I would have bid 2 clubs the first time.

[inquiry]

MPs: Red versus Red

T975
Q52
K
KQ842

The auction starts

( P ) - P - (1H) - P
(2H) - P - ( P ) - ?

Rate the possible calls:

"Possible Calls" (in my world) are Pass, DBL, 2S, 2NT, and 3C

Ok. Now to rate them. First an observation. Partner is marked with some points, and presumed HEART shortage and didn't make a call. So first a question, is do you play OBAR bids? (What are OBAR bids? This stands for "Opponents Bid And Raise just like here. Basically, in this auction, your partner could "balance" in the direct seat. So with say 4-2-4-3 or 4-1-5-3, or 4-2-5-2 he could double without so much value. Or with 3-2-6-2 or 2-2-5-4 or 2-2-3-6 he could take action like 2NT or 3 of a minor). Thus, if you are playing OBAR bids, I would pass, or perhaps bid 3C. A bid of 2S on T9xx playing OBAR is too rich for my blood (one can imagine some hands where partner has 4S which is why you would want to bid 2S.... this hand wiill probably a great example of why OBAR bids are a good tool for MP play).

But ok, let's assume you are NOT playing OBAR.
a) Pass - playing OBAR, I think I would pass, but not at MP: I don't enjoy letting them play at their comfort level in 2H. In favor of pass is I have 3Hearts and defensive values. Against it, they are in a lawful 2H contract with at least 8 card fit. Even if we beat them one in 2H we would probably make something, I think. So I would reluctantly decide against passing. I think pass is second best choice.

DBL - Not horrible bad bid, but could lead to a very bad result when partner, looking at a partial spade fit decides to bid his 5 card diamond suit instead of 3 card club suit. So, sadly, I leave the flexible double on the table.

c) 3C - Also not a horrible bid, but it might bypass the makable contract for your side (2S or 2N). I prefer pass to 3C.

d) 2NT - this has to be wrong. This places emphasis on the minors.

e) 2S - Sigh. If you don't play OBAR doubles, this is the bid you will have to make. One good thing about it is, if the opponents buy the contract in hearts, parnter will not get off to a horrible spade lead because you will be on lead. Partner has several inferences.
1) You didn't bid 1S over 1H, so not good spades
2) You didn't double, so you can't stand one of the minors
3) You probably have some heart legnth
Over 2S, I expect him to pass with Spade tolerance, or bid 2NT as a scramble kind of bid with tolerance for both minors. So I can imagine 2 auctions if they don't wack you (or bid 3H)....
....2S-(P)-(P)-(P) or
....2S-(P)-2N-(X)-3C-? (at least you got both your suits in).

BTW, if they bid 3H over our 2S or 3C I would not double, this is a case where we pushed them one higher... if they go down two, GREAT, if they go down one, we should win a fair number of MP anyway. Of course if partner cranks them up, you stick it out. The problem with bidding on this kind of junk is that now there are 3 "opponents" at the table rather than 2, as your partner might not be in on your "joke." Still, at the table this is what I would do and just hope he realizes after I bid 2S that I WAS bidding his points. (Another argument for OBAR... without them when you balance and push them to 3H, partner is in there with a 3S or 4C bid, or even a risky double).

[Codo]

Hi Richard,

this hand was made for the polish NT (At least we call it so here..): After their 1 Heart, 1 NT shows 4 spade and 5+ in a minor.Okay, this is not too common online, so I now sit there and think, that 2 Spade is clear cut.
I hope, that I play with Ben, who will react like he explained it so perfectly. If I sit there with someone who did not know my declarer play and bidding and may raise me, I just pass sadly...

Pd must know, that I have 4 spades, some hearts and a shortage in a minor for my 2 Spade bid.
So, without GOOD support and tolerance for both minors he will bid 2 NT or 3 Club as "take out" to the minors.

Kind Regards

Roland