2 Responses to “dear bob”

1. Bob Katz Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 5:09 pm

   (1) I do not think 3D is forcing.
   (2) Had I bid 2N then I would not be passing responder’s 3D call.
   (3) I would have bid 3D with responder’s hand since that is not what I envision for a 2N bid by opener.
   (4) Opener has a very difficult bid over 2C and I think that I would have bid 2H which is a reverse and shows stuff. Had there been no overcall I would have jumped to 2N. But I think that the intervening bid changes the meaning of 2N to a hand with better clubs and less points.
   (5) 5D is probably the best contract and the auction should go:
   1D 1S 2C
   2H 3D
   3S 4D
   5C 5D
   or something like that. This assumes that the 3D bid is game forcing and shows values. No reason to bid spades since partner denied 3. Actually a bit short on values but the stiff club is a really good card on this auction. It is the sort of hand that with lots of controls (3 aces, 2nd round spade and club singleton) that is easy to get overboard and bid 6 with no losers but a major shortage of winners unless spades are 3-3.

2. Peg Says:
   October 31st, 2007 at 8:39 pm

   I guess this is what makes horse races - eh?

   Most of what BK thinks seems counter to what I have been taught.

   I agree with Shannon’s assessment; 2NT shows about the hand you’d have to make a 2NT rebid had the opps been silent. Only difference here is that without a club stopper and 18-19, you’d find a different call than 2NT. 2NT definitely guarantees a club stopper.

   As to whether 3D is forcing or not - I think playing standard, it has to be.

   NOW, North’s hand is so “suity” - she should think about some contracts potentially, at least, other than 3NT. Over 3D, I would bid 3H, and see what that draws from pard.

   B.T.W. My most regular pard, Bill Kent, convinced me a year ago or so to play transfers over 2NT rebids. We never have talked about whether they would be on in a situation such as this one. But - assuming that they are, they really are helpful in many ways.

   IF you wished to only sign off in 3D, you could now bid 3C, then pass pard’s assumed 3D call.

   Of course, opposite a diamond opener and 18-19 HCP I would never think about signing off with this hand - but - at least it is available.

   Finally, one more thought. If your partner had a hand with better clubs but not balanced 18-19, she should (IMHO) just pass. IF you have a minimum hand, you’ll pass too, and the opps may languish in a poor fit with a better spot.

   If you have decent cards, you can either reopen with a double (yay!) or some bid. Much superior to a strange 2NT call with defense against clubs and no source of tricks.

   Sorry I was so long!!

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