While idly preparing for a cricket trip tomorrow, some thoughts (not necessarily helpful):
A. Pass. After I’ve invited and partner has shown a maximum opening hand, aren’t we in a GF situation? If so, a forcing pass from me allows partner to bid 3N with a heart stop or bid clubs without one. Supposing we are GF, would a x of 3
show a partial stop (3N showing a full one)?
B. 3
(x?). 2N is not available, so presumably a re-raise to 3
is no longer pre-emptive. What does a double of 3
show – shortage and a GI kind of hand? OK, I’m just making that up ‘cos it fits.
C. Pass. Am I likely to improve the situation by bidding? I have three tricks for partner and he might find the club 9 useful. I could speculate in spades but partner’s Hxx (supposing he’s that good) is going to be under East. Shame there’s not a negative x available – can we change the rules?
D. 4
. Suppose N is 40(54) and 13 HCP, that leaves E with 13. If he has AQ in one black suit, A in the other, QJT in diamonds and three hearts, 3N will make. Should I be bidding 4
as a sacrifice, white v red? Of course, folks don’t always have what they bid …
E. 2
/3
.
BWS: a one-notrump response [to a 1m opening] shows 6-10 points. In response to one diamond: two clubs is forcing to game; three clubs is invitational. Will the MSC panel really stick to this scheme and bid 3
? If I would have opened this hand, I should bid 2
. I’m a sucker for paired jack-tens, so probably would have opened white v red.
F. 3
. At the table I’d bid 3
without much hesitation. A more measured approach (2
– 3
/2N) is probably going to involve a 3
bid from me next, so why give information away?
G. Pass. Partner is a passed hand, looks short in hearts and probably has a club trick. Defending for a penalty seems more likely to produce a positive score than declaring in hearts. I’m not sure about partner’s double tho’ – could it show spades and diamonds? Does it matter: if it’s a 20/20 (ish) hand – looking for a penalty still seems best.
H. Spade Q. I’d play this at the table pretty briskly (Kantar’s happy to lead that from a near-perfect sequence). Will a diamond really help partner more? Showing my suit ought to help the defence and might convince declarer that the club king is with N.