PROBLEM D:>> Last week I jumped into a random 'zoo' table, and saw my new partner berating his now-absent partner thus: "New colour after interference is 10 HCP, please!"
With that guy, this 12-count opener is a slam-try, I guess; with the rest of us what's the problem with raising to
4 Spades?? KTxx, xxxx, ---, AKQxx
PROBLEM E:>> Axx, KQTxxx, !0xx, x FEELS to me like a delayed invitational jump in spades
...BUT in BWS2017 the forcing 1NT response CAN BE PASSED . I don't want to be dropped in !NT with this, even in IMPS, so plan B (2/1 in hearts) or plan C (the hint ie: passable 3 hearts) is better. on may 17, i lean towards the game force
--- Two Hearts ---PROBLEM F:>> there are no HCPs available for west NOT to have three big ones. Today, that means i might as well chirp "4
", in case this a goulash deal. The five level I have no clue about however--but for once i hope my preempting partner can take a view in our favor after the spade game i think is inevitable
PROBLEM G:>> Last winter, we had 2 contenious problems, in sequential months ..about the
"1nt, 2C; 2??, 3 minor" sequence, and in my opinion we learned bupkas about this bidding! Except that opener's continuation of three of a suit was OVERLOADED with missions to perform. Here's the list:
---1: Does the opener's 3-level suit bid imply liking for partner's minor ( NEVER ADDRESSED EITHER MONTH)
---2: Does such a suit bid imply weakness in any suit bypassed, and does that include DIAMONDS, when the rebid is "3C"?
---3: Whether it does or doesn't, then am I cue bidding for slam, or showing "stuffings" for 3NT?
THIS month, -- holding KJ9x, Axx, X, KJ432, our raise to 4S is totally clear, -- but we have not added a jot to understanding this important area of bidding...
---
Four Spades ---PROBLEM H:> [ Esthetically, this footnote pleases me: "1X, 1Y, 1Z; 2NT**" . 2NT is forcing.
HOWEVER, it makes this lead problem close to trivial. Declarer promised us he he is balanced (or he would have bid 2C first if long there--or used XYZ or 4SF at the second turn). Our two queen-fourths must be defensive gold, and passive defense has to be the winner. I have an inordinate fondness for JTx at times like this, so have no problem ruling out punting in what may their only 5-3 fit (diamonds) . No way i will start either of responder's suits.
--- Spade Jack ---