[apollo1201]

One from our week-end’s final

LHO at red (you green) opens 3D, 2 passes follow and you have this odd collection:

A542
A3
JX
AJ853

Now what?

[FelicityR]

With so many low cards, no intermediates, losers and 5422 shape, especially as partner can't enter the fray in second at favourable vulnerability, I'm inclined to Pass. Double could lead to trouble.

[Cyberyeti]

FelicityR, on 2019-October-14, 06:24, said:

With so many low cards, no intermediates, losers and 5422 shape, especially as partner can't enter the fray in second at favourable vulnerability, I'm inclined to Pass. Double could lead to trouble.

Pass could also lead to trouble, partner needs no more than KQxxx, xxx, xx, Kxx for game to be more than decent while 3♦ makes with LHO's 1372.

It's a horrible hand to deal with, I don't think there is a good answer, particularly given that partner with Kxxx, Kxxx, xxx, Qx will bid 3♥.

[pescetom]

It's close but I would double, we might still have game after all. At this vulnerability I can live with the risk of partner bidding hearts, as partners will.

[Tramticket]

Reluctant pass.

We are non-vul - so less downside if missing game.

[rmnka447]

At this point, the best you can do is assume that the remaining points are breaking evenly between partner's and responder's hand. Give opener a reasonably chunky suit at unfavorable vulnerability. You do know partner doesn't have enough to make a TO double or overcall.

The problem is ♥. You don't really have support and partner is likely to have some length. ♣ aren't good enough to bid at the 4 level.

Although you'd like to bid, pass seems right. On a good day you may find 6 tricks for a +200 versus nothing.

[cherdano]

I hate pass and I hate double. On balance I hate pass a little bit more. Hope partner doesn't mind playing 4-2 fits.

[eagles123]

pass and don't think it's that close

[wank]

if i were going to bid i'd bid 3nt. at this vul though i'd be perfectly happy passing.

[AL78]

Pass. Pre-empts work.

I think the probability of playing in a horrible heart contract is greater than finding a making 4♠ when partner has the perfect hand opposite a takeout double.

[helene_t]

cherdano, on 2019-October-24, 03:16, said:

I hate pass and I hate double. On balance I hate pass a little bit more. Hope partner doesn't mind playing 4-2 fits.

I double, too, and don't find it particularly close.

You could correct 3♥ to 4♣, couldn't you? I don't think that should show (substantial) extra strength.

But maybe it isn't percentage. Partner could be 6-1 in the rounded suits, and 3♥ at least hasn't been doubled.

I think I would correct to 4♣ if doubled but not otherwise.