Pretty much what I said when I submitted my answer, Ken. (You are permitted to include a short summary of your thoughts.)
I've played many variations of minor suit transfers, and although I've read about MSS, I have never actually played it. Like you, I assumed a similarity with minor suit transfers, so I also assumed partner would show shortness with 3M--if he had it. Also, the auction through 3NT, if it stopped there, screams heart lead (no double of 2
). So passing, certainly on the table, is just too scary. Isn't partner telling us he has
nothing in the majors? My construction did not give partner so much as a Queen. I am guessing something like a (32)5=3 or a (22)5=4.
Would he bid this way with something like xxx - xx - Kxxxx - AKx or similar? Maybe throw in another Jack or two?
As far as what to bid next, with a max and equal length minors, I would try 4NT. That's out. And although it's a slight fib as to length, my choice was 4
. AQx looks a little like four cards.
My second choice was 4
(not necessarily promising five?).
I also wonder if passing 3NT may just work. They still need to find the heart lead. But maybe partner has two or three? If so, might they split 4-4 or 4-3? The beginner in me wants to just pass, but the auction is as informative to the defense as it is to us.
This is uncharted territory for me as I have not seen this auction before using MSS. I found this problem painfully simple, but complex at the same time.