CONFIRMATION# 240520859HOLE
SOLUTIONS FOR:
Todd Holes
PROBLEM A: Pass
50/50 between this (forcing) pass and 5
. I don’t know partner’s heart length, so would prefer if he bid RKCB if still available. If he gets the answer of three keys he can better place the contract. I see partner bidding this way with as little as Axx QJTxxx – KQxx.
PROBLEM B: 3 Diamonds
After partner’s free-bid 3 Clubs, this should be forcing (there may be dissension among the panel on this), showing a big hand. Although 3
asks partner to bid again, this is at least more informative than 3
.
PROBLEM C: 2 Notrump
I see no reason to rebid the spades—something I would do with 8 HCP. Partner has, at most, two. And the suit quality is poor. While I initially discounted the value of the
K, it is now worth something. I assume 8-10(11) or so for partner’s 1NT—this range is systemic--and rebidding 3NT is tempting. But 2NT should suffice. As long as we’re on the same page partner should accept (possibly even showing me
Hx along the way) with a maximum.
[Added]: One thing that concerns me in notrump is, with a six-card unsupported spade suit, where is our source of tricks?
PROBLEM D: Pass
It’s not my habit to open flat 11s, even in third seat. The only possible option I see is 1
. But not for me.
PROBLEM E: 2 Spades
Right on values. Shows 5. I’d like to have a third club, but you can’t have everything. If my spades were better I might double and pull 2
to 2
.
PROBLEM F: 4 Clubs
Showing primary Clubs (so 6-5?). I do not believe this to be forcing, but it surely shows a massive hand.
PROBLEM G: 5 Diamonds
Though 2
is tempting as a lead director, partner will know to lead it if a ruff is needed against a high-level spade contract. 4
as preempt Blackwood is mildly interesting—even fun—but would fool no one.
PROBLEM H: Club 3
Difficult. Not fond of lead problems.