[Hanoi5]

What's your play? Where do you expect to get? (MP's, but would you bid differently playing Imp's?)

---

[CSGibson]

I would have bid 3♠ the first time, which I play as asking for a spade stopper in order to bid 3N with 8+ tricks. Now I'm afraid that by doubling first, I would be showing tolerance for hearts, which I do not have, so I will choose what I consider to be an inferior call in 3♦ which I have been endplayed into. Maybe partner can show some sign of life over that.

[Codo]

I try 3 ♦ because I like my prospect there or in 3 NT if partner shows a spade stopper.

[Zelandakh]

If an initial 3♠ overcall just asks for a stopper without saying very much else then it is a possibility. On the other hand many play this as showing a running minor. If you do then you need a way to show a strong hand looking for a stopper, for 3NT on power. It seems reasonable to use Double followed by 3♠ for this - the strong hands with heart tolerance could presumably try a second double here. What do the other posters play a 3♠ second call as in this kind of sequence?

[gszes]

after lho opened 1s and counting my hand there was room fo rmaybe 6 hcp from p
unless we have a big club fit 5 of a minor will be difficult at best. That leaves 3n as
our best prospect for game. Starting with x doesnt take the limited game prospects
into account it seems more like a "i have a strong hand and i must x" type of double.
I echo csgibson and feel this calls for a direct 3s asking for a spade stopper for 3n. Even
though this shows a one suited hand this is far better than giving p the idea we are
strong with heart tolerance.

If p were to bid 4h over 3s at least we can pass knowing p has at least very long hearts
and 4h might easily be our last makeable spot. If p bids 4c (essentailly running from
3n) we have to try 4d and hope we do well. P was not willing to x 2s so there is little
sense in repeating an x.

now sigh what would i do over 2s having x the first time-----------while we are about
an ace stronger than a simple 3d bid-------the odds seem too slim to take a chance
of reaching game from here. Disgression is called for here both at imps and mp
sonce the risk vs reward is not in our favor.

go slow and bid 3d see if a miracle happens (p bids 3h or 4c) so we can go to game in
either of those suits>

[lalldonn]

I hate an original 3♠ bid. How do you think the auction will work out if partner doesn't have a stopper? Then we haven't investigated what suit or level to play in at all, and we are on at least the 4 level with a relatively balanced hand.

[kuhchung]

I would just double again and bid 3S over the expected 3H

[ggwhiz]

3♠ for me shows any big 2-suiter but pard can bid 3nt over that if it looks like a good idea.

However, I think I am 90% to lose 3 tricks in the majors and don't think this hand is worth it. Double followed by 3♦ feels like enough. If pard can't sneeze over that it's not even cold.

[MrAce]

lalldonn, on 2012-August-12, 11:17, said:

I hate an original 3♠ bid. How do you think the auction will work out if partner doesn't have a stopper? Then we haven't investigated what suit or level to play in at all, and we are on at least the 4 level with a relatively balanced hand.

Ok, you hate original 3♠ bid (so do i) but i really want to know how would you plan the bidding after 2♠ and over expected responses ? Or would you bid something different than DBL at the first place ?

[lalldonn]

I would double again now and bid 3♠ over 3♥ if partner bids that. If he bids 4♥ instead I'm probably happy.