[scarletv]

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Should I bid and if yes what to bid?

When you do not bid now it will come back to you with

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[Jinksy]

I'll pass twice. The first time, if I bid 2♥ I'm expecting P to make a phantom sac. The second time, I know P has a void and still isn't good enough even to preprotect. They're vul, so if they go off we're getting a decent score, and if they hav the power to make, we could be down several tricks doubled.

[Zelandakh]

I am going to pass twice too but I think the main alternative is 1NT rather than 2♥.

[fromageGB]

I'm bidding 2♥ initially, then pass 2♠. I don't like an initial pass when we might have a very good heart contract. Even if partner ups the ante to 3♥ I expect it to make.

[diana_eva]

I'd pass twice too. Quite happy to defend 2♠ when they are vul.

[WesleyC]

I'd bid 2H the first time. The spade stack isn't ideal but if partner tracks with a good heart fit, then game will make opposite very little:

eg. 4H is a good spot opposite as little as:

[x QJxx Qxxx xxxx] or [J QJx xxxx xxxxx]

especially after the likely spade lead!

[zillahandp]

Pass correct phas vv litle and no spades, play forcing defence

[BruceZhu]

I'd bid 2♥ on the first round, and I'd pass on the second round. I may risk 2 NT or double.

[Giangibar]

I would bid 2♥ on the first round because it's very likely, from my perspective, that they will not end up playing in Spades and I might as well have a game in Hearts. Too difficult to convince partner that I have such a strong hand if I pass and later protect. On the other hand, I would definitely pass on the second round and lead ♥A. I'll try a forcing defense, making them ruff and lose control. I expect to collect at least 200.

[Phil]

I'd bid 2 ♥. Maybe partner can step up with a responsive x. Obviously I'd pass out 2 ♠.

Once you've passed initially you're frozen out but might be looking at 200 defending.

[jodepp]

If I passed originally (I guess I'd bid 2♥ directly and not like it much) I'd think the auction was impossible.

Partner has a spade void and didn't bid. Partner rates to have 4+ hearts (no unusual call) so I confess that I'd balance with 4♥. Partner is marked with some bits and pieces and I'm betting that they are useful.

[neilkaz]

WTP 2♥ overcall the first time.

[KurtGodel]

neilkaz, on 2015-June-14, 17:55, said:

WTP 2♥ overcall the first time.

The problem is that you have poor hearts and a strong holding in the opponent's suit. I am on the fence between 2♥ and pass, probably bid at pairs and pass at teams. Would definitely pass the second time though - looks like a very juicy +200 to the good guys here.

[case_no_6]

I think 2H is okay as a direct overcall of 1S, but I would not recommend (or choose) it because:

1. My spades have body and my hearts do not, so even though the chances of 3 card or longer heart support with partner are fairly high, my offensive to defensive ratio is fairly low for such a nice hand.

2. Partner is a passed hand, so the chances of missing a game are lower than if partner were not a passed hand.

3. Given the lessened chances of game, the vulnerability (favorable) tips the scales rather strongly toward defending rather than declaring.

Regardless, after passing 1S, there is no way that it is likely to be right to bid over 2S. It almost surely is right to defend with 5 spades including 3 honors sitting over the spade length with the opponents.

[masonbarge]

I've seen this hand too many times. I'm bidding 2♥. Don't let yourself be talked out of your bid just because you're strong in a suit bid by the opponents - although this is "very strong indeed".

I don't like to mastermind. My system calls for a 2♥ bid with a good 5-card heart suit (who called the hearts "weak"???) and 12+ points in an unbalanced hand. That's the most descriptive bid.

[iandayre]

2H is clear cut in my opinion. We need so little for game. Now if it then goes 2S, P, P back to me, I will pass. But I am hoping partner finds a bid - a responsive double perhaps?? I'll know what to do.

[gszes]

One of the easier 2h overcalls I have ever seen and one of the easier pass over opps 2s I have ever seen. Takes not much from p to score up 4h and we will never know if it is reasonable once we pass over 1s. If p can make a neg double over 2s I will try to reign in the blood lust as i pass.

It is very unlikely our side belongs in 3c/d but it is quite possible the opps may have a fit there. The 2h overcall makes finding a minor suit fit for them very difficult.

[keithhus]

I am a beginner. Could someone advise please whether double would be an acceptable bid and if not, why not. I was told that double after a major means I have the other major. Thanks

[akwoo]

keithhus, on 2015-June-15, 17:11, said:

I am a beginner. Could someone advise please whether double would be an acceptable bid and if not, why not. I was told that double after a major means I have the other major. Thanks

No.

1) A takeout double always shows the other 3 suits (or a very good hand). One can and should cheat on this - otherwise one would almost never double - but cheating on a major is worse than cheating on a minor. Cheating on BOTH minors is too much.

2) A takeout double also denies a 5 card suit (except with a very good hand). Again one can cheat on this, and again cheating on a major is worse than cheating on a minor.

A negative double - when partner has opened - is different.

[rmnka447]

I'm bidding 2 ♥ immediately.