[thad3]

The opponents are playing 2/1 GF. Let's say the bidding was 1h-p-2c-?. What calls might you make in 4th seat? Why?

[nige1]

I think I understand what thad3 implies and, if so, I agree:
If opponents start the 2/1 auction on the left, then
-- you are in a bidding sandwich, so competition risks a large penalty.
-- revealing competition can help opponents make their game.
Hence your objective shouldn't be just to consume their bidding space
-- In addition, you should suggest a profitable sacrifice or direct a good lead.
-- In particular, if you make a 2-suited call (Double, UNT, Cue-bid) then, at the prevailing vulnerablity, you should have reasonable prospects of winning a high-level auction, when partner has any kind of fit

---

[Vampyr]

thad3, on 2019-June-09, 16:27, said:

The opponents are playing 2/1 GF. Let's say the bidding was 1h-p-2c-?. What calls might you make in 4th seat? Why?

I don’t get it. What is your hand?

[thad3]

nige1, on 2019-June-09, 17:21, said:

I think I understand what thad3 implies and, if so, I agree:
If opponents start the 2/1 auction on the left, then
-- you are in a bidding sandwich, so competition risks a large penalty.
-- revealing competition can help opponents make their game.
Hence your objective shouldn't be just to consume their bidding space
-- In addition, you should suggest a profitable sacrifice or direct a good lead.
-- In particular, if you make a 2-suited call (Double, UNT, Cue-bid) then, at the prevailing vulnerablity, you should have reasonable prospects of winning a high-level auction, when partner has any kind of fit

---

What prompted the question was an auction where in that position I made a double. My intent was lead directing, but partner misunderstood. The opponents got the contact and I didn't get the lead I wanted. Partner thought that the double was for takeout, but that didn't make sense to me given the 2/1 at that point. Would you use a double for lead? I would think that a 2-suited bid would have to be very good given the strength shown by the opponents. I suppose a double could be for the other two suits, but at least 5-5. Would you play 2NT for the minors?

[steve2005]

thad3, on 2019-June-09, 20:17, said:

What prompted the question was an auction where in that position I made a double. My intent was lead directing, but partner misunderstood. The opponents got the contact and I didn't get the lead I wanted. Partner thought that the double was for takeout, but that didn't make sense to me given the 2/1 at that point. Would you use a double for lead? I would think that a 2-suited bid would have to be very good given the strength shown by the opponents. I suppose a double could be for the other two suits, but at least 5-5. Would you play 2NT for the minors?

Lead directing isn't the best use of a double. Takeout is.
The opponents should have 25+ hcp on this auction.
The opponents don't even have to have the majority of clubs to make 2♣XX. They might be able to make on power.
Worse every once in a while your partner has a void in clubs and you get to find out what redoubled overtricks are worth!

Anyways, if you double your partner will likely assume takeout and bid their suit and you having mostly clubs, the opponents will have an easy double for penalty an collect more than their game.

[thad3]

Thanks for the advice against the lead-directing double.

Obviously if a have a long strong suit I just bid it, assuming that the prospect for a profitable sacrifice outweighs the downside of information provided to the opponents if they play.

The two-suited situation (assume 5-5 or better) seems riskier because it depends more on what my partner has. If he is 1-2 in my suits, but has a stack in the major they would play in he won't be happy if he is forced to bid one of mine if opener chooses to pass my call.

I'm trying to come up with the cases in which an interfering call would make sense after opponents' 2/1.

[pescetom]

thad3, on 2019-June-09, 21:36, said:

Thanks for the advice against the lead-directing double.

I'm trying to come up with the cases in which an interfering call would make sense after opponents' 2/1.

I think you already answered your own question: a long strong suit or two very long suits.

[HardVector]

thad3, on 2019-June-09, 16:27, said:

The opponents are playing 2/1 GF. Let's say the bidding was 1h-p-2c-?. What calls might you make in 4th seat? Why?

What you are looking for is a profitable sacrifice, or to direct your partner's lead if they should out bid you...particularly if they bid nt.