dickiegera, on 2022-July-02, 19:18, said:
Only QUESTION is does 2NT show BIG HAND 18 or so pts OR
could it be 12 -14 with clubs stopp
Thank you
One useful way to think about this is to ask yourself what 1S promised. Even if one is an old-school conservative bidder, responder could hold some flat 6 count.
Is it winning bridge to bid 2N on 12 opposite 6, with no fit?
Pretty clearly, imo, the answer is ‘no’.
The opps are entitled to know what 2N shows, and if they know it’s 12-14, then they can start doubling most times they have the majority of the hcp.
Also, bear in mind that the most underused call in bridge (the pass when one has nothing to add to what one has already shown) is not ‘giving up’. Partner is still there
If partner has enough strength that he thinks your side should keep bidding (or double and defend) he has another turn. So you’re not missing out on anything by passing. Your side still has options, but if you bid 2N on 12-14 with no fit, and they start doubling (and responder has a 6 count), your only options are whether to take your horrible result in 2N x or try to find another, almost surely equally horrible, place to play.
Far too many players, once they progress past beginner status, feel that they ‘have to bid’ when in fact they don’t. Having opened, responder will play opener for 12-14 with no fit, as the most common hand, should you pass on the second round.
Trusting partner is a difficult skill to learn, especially when neither you nor partner are yet skilled players. All too often, or so it may seem, partner lets you down, but those hands are learning hands for both of you. Resist the temptation to bid the same values you’ve already shown and give partner a chance to make a good decision. If he or she gets it wrong, have a discussion later.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari