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What should I Bid? - Best enquiry for January 2003

The best submission and the first of Peter's selections since taking over from David Beauchamp came from: John Nicholas.

Comments:
System is two over one game force.
2H here is invitational or better.
3D is natural and not forcing.
On the deal East held the spade King so there were 12 tricks in either minor or NTs. My partner and I both thought we were a little conservative but that 3NT may have been the last making spot. We would appreciate your opinion on how to bid the hand.

And Peter's Response:

Dear John,
I don't mind not bidding 6NT.
With this contract a tad less than 50% and both 6C and 6D about 80%, I want to get to six of a minor.
Before we look at your sequence, let's look at some bidding theory.
Since you indicated 3D as not forcing, I gather you don't regard 4th suit as
game forcing. This is a very difficult and complex approach to adopt and
contributes to outcomes such as yours. Unless you play in a very experienced, highly sophisticated partnership I recommend you play 4th
suit as forcing to game.
4th suit game force is straightforward and allows more relaxed exploration
after the game force is established.
Enough said. Back to the hand. North has bid very timidly. Imagine North holds:

The bidding would be identical up to 3D.
North's actual hand is several tricks better and calls for stronger action.
Had North already denied hearts, 3H would be an effective way to announce
extra values. Here though, hearts are still possible so 4D, while awkward, looks best.
After that South ought to drive to the minor suit slam.
I suggest:

If the opponents cash the A & K of spades on a bad day, bad luck!
Note: South's use of 4th suit must mean something. If South held a
bunch of high cards in an ill fitting hand not interested in slam then
3NT is a better bid on the second round, not 2H.
Good luck with your 4th suit auctions. they're not easy.
Peter Fordham

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