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What should I Bid? - Best enquiry for May 2003

The best submission in May came from Tony Jackman.

Comments:
What, if anything, should I bid?

And Peter's Response:

Hi Tony,

Presumably partner's pass after 3D would have been forcing and, whether double would have been penalty or takeout, partner has not offered either of these options. Partner thus expects to make 3NT. At the vulnerability,
this rates to be based on a one or two diamond tricks without much length in diamonds and a serious source of tricks, probably in clubs. If partner has that hand pass ought to be okay as 6C is not so likely with our lack of major suit fast assistance.

Nonetheless, game in whatever trump fit we have ought to be solid and we can't get to slam if I Pass. So I'm going to bid.

Partner might have a difficult, semi-balanced, really big hand. Another reason for bidding is that I'd hate to be blind-sided in 3NT when the lead is not a diamond but the black suit in which partner holds a singleton. Partner might hold something like AKQJxx of a black suit, AJx of diamonds, AKx in hearts and a black singleton (not that 3NT is a great bid here but it is certainly understandable).

What to bid?

If you believe the position to be analogous, you should bid whatever you would have bid had the auction proceeded (3D) 3NT Pass ? Beauchamp & I play
4C Stayman (partner bids 4NT if 3NT based on long solidish minor.)
4D Flint (puppet to 4H as weak takeout to any suit)
4H through to 5m- natural slam try.

With this hand, I would choose 4C and over partner's 4M, I would pass. Over 4NT, I would bid 5C. If partner needs a short diamond from me for slam, they might get the gag in this sequence. Then again- they might not. Tant Pis!

Without agreement about methods I would probably bid 4D and proceed as above. One danger here is, if you drive to slam, partner might conclude you hold 4 controls and bid one for the road. One down in 7 will not be a pretty sight!!

Regards
Peter Fordham

As a matter of interest the full deal was:

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