Post by a***@yahoo.co.ukI held
3
AJ9762
653
QJ5
Aggregate scoring (Christmas party evening so not a proper bridge
session), no-one vuln. Partner passes, RHO opens 1S. What do you do?
My initial instincts were to pass, but after thinking about the scoring
somewhat, 2H seems like it may be a better bid. The main potential risk
is a penalty double on your left (which might not even exist in the
opponents' system); as you're non-vulnerable, 2H is safe undoubled even
though this is probably the opponents' hand; and it interferes slightly
with the opposing bidding and makes it easier for your partner to judge
a sacrifice (it doesn't distort the shape or strength of the hand at
all).
Post by a***@yahoo.co.uk1H 1S
3D
Playing 5 card majors, what type of hand do you expect opener to have?
This depends on agreements. Many pairs would play 3D as a support bid
agreeing spades, in which case it shows both majors, and makes some
specific statement about diamonds (probably shortness). When not playing
it as a support bid, it shows a game-forcing hand with hearts and
diamonds (likely 5-5, but 5-4 is possible).
It is generally very worthwhile to have an agreement about whether this
sort of bid is natural or artificial!
--
ais523