[mike777]

From yesterday at the club, need your advice:
Both vul, MP
2S-P-P-?
Your hand is
KQ8...KQTx...Axx..xxx
Your call and why?

[DavidKok]

I would pass, with 2NT being a close second.

Partner hasn't made a takeout double. That means that partner either has some spade length, or not enough strength to enter the auction. If partner has some spade length defending is fine, expecially at this vulnerability. If partner is weak, we might well fail to make anything at the 3-level.

In general, preempts work. Sometimes you will miss the best contract. It is better to accept this and systemically look for an approach that gives you the best odds than to try to win on every hand. I play that 2NT shows 16-19 here, but many will play 15-18 instead and that's what I've assumed instead.

A few weeks ago there was a post on bridgewinners by someone frustrated that there are losing scenarios after the opponents preempt. There was a heavy implication that, because the scenario was losing and costly, the approach must be flawed. I think it is important to shed that idea early and learn to evaluate systemic costs and gains instead.

[Huibertus]

mike777, on 2025-December-12, 06:11, said:

From yesterday at the club, need your advice:
Both vul, MP
2S-P-P-?
Your hand is
KQ8...KQTx...Axx..xxx
Your call and why?

I'm passing. Partner probably has some values and some ♠ for a plus score. If he lacks ♠ he's got nothing since he didn't double. If he lacks values it is not our hand. I need MORE to bid 2NT.

[mikeh]

I’m a 15-18 guy here, for a vulnerable balancing 2N. I understand 16-19 but I think you’re going to get stolen from a little too much. I’m also a big believer in not just counting hcp, hence I’m often happy to upgrade. But there’s nothin here to upgrade.

So I pass, but under no illusions that this will definitely lead to a good board. David’s point about learning to accept that such is ok…that chasing tops on every board is losing bridge…is well taken and a lot of club level players…who think that they always have to bid if holding opening values…would do well to remember.

Of course, once I pass partner will have xx Axxxxx Kxxx x.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

it is either Pass or 2NT.

I am leaning more towards 2NT.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[Cyberyeti]

P_Marlowe, on 2025-December-13, 06:10, said:

Hi,

it is either Pass or 2NT.

I am leaning more towards 2NT.

With kind regards
Marlowe

I lean towards pass, the worry is it's a board where we belong in say 3♣, but can't get there.