response to a balancing X

I am surprised no one at least voiced a few words for pass. In balance seat, I expect my partner to reopen when short in diamonds. This is imps, so 3Dx down two isn't a total disaster, down when we have game would be ok, but better if we guess wrong game (say we CAN make 3NT but not 4S or vice versa but we guess the wrong one to bid. And down four is probalby ok. All these contracts going down of course is better than if we bid and go down.

The problem is, partner rates to have more than minimum. So, I am going to bid like everyone else, and with us being vul, I am going to bid game. I begruddingly have to admit to liking phil's 4D option followed by 4S. This gives us a chance to find five or six clubs. While 4S puts us there regardless of fit. 4D also gives us a better chance to find 6S/6C. So for me... 4D, and then 4S over 4H.

Ben

I see from the poll that the 3nt voters are sweeping the country. That was my first thought, but I have been convinced otherwise by the 4D voters.
Here are some thoughts, probably not going much beyond what has already been said.

Often, not always, 3NT and 4S will both end the auction. Either could be right, either could be wrong. Bidding 4D and then, over the expected 4H, bidding 4S will offer an alternative (I know, that alternative is no longer 3NT) providing partner understands. He should. Famous last words. From this I take 4D to be definitely superior to 4S.

It is possible partner has hopes of going beyond game. The 4D-4H-4S route should give a clearer picture than either 3NT (diamond stop(s) and some decent values somewhere) or 4S (shows the 4 spades but partner may talk himself into the idea they might be better or longer. They could be on such an auction.) After 4D-4H-4S partner can infer good values (for a passed hand I would say these are good values), a good club holding, and exactly 4 spades, probably of marginal quality. Further, since you are saying that neither 4S nor 3NT nor 5C is your clear choice, it would be reasonable, a small stretch perhaps, to think that some of your values are in hearts as well. This should help him decide what to do next. You have clearly indicated you are not sure about the best contract and this information itself can be of use.

I admit this seldom occurs to me at the table. I think it should.

Ken

BBO Discussion Forums: response to a balancing X - BBO Discussion Forums