[Oceanss]

I have several questions, and i appreciate your help.
Playing IMPs, 2/1, with known pard that is good aggressive player

A)

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Should I have passed 5D doubled?


B)

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I thought that my free bid of 1h was descriptive enough, as not strong to go to 2h, yet had something to offer. Was I wrong and should bid 2h?
And after it went to 3D, should I compete and how? X? 3h? 3s?

C)

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I loved this hand, and just couldn't pass 3D. What I should have done instead of 3s? That 3N was crushed as a bug, p holding Kxx in dimes.

Thanks for your answers, and Happy New Year everyone

[billw55]

A) Looks like partner has hung himself. I agree with 5♠, your spades are better and partner isn't necessarily saying he prefers diamonds; he might just be trying for either.

B) I agree, you have done your duty.

C) This one is trickier. You could try double if you are not playing that as 3 card heart support. 4♣ has appeal also. Not sure what is best.


edit: sometimes I like to answer these early, then compare to what actual knowledgable players say. Lately I'm not doing so well, lol.

[fromageGB]

There's always someone with a different opinion ..

A) Yes. Assuming 2♥ is a 2 suited bid with spades, he could have doubled to give you a choice. Therefore he actively prefers diamonds, having more of them.

B) I'm happy with 1♥, but over 3♦ would bid 3♥. Partner passed because he has only 4 hearts (maybe 3 with void clubs?) and can't do anything else. You on the other hand have 5 hearts, and you have shown only 4. What's more, you are short in diamonds, while he is short in clubs. Looks a good hand for you.

C) I think I can pass, but if I can't, then maybe X. Even if if does show 3 card support, you want to do something and Hx with a side singleton is just about acceptable. Partner then has the option of bidding anything, which you can pass.

[Fluffy]

A) is pretty clear, partner has gone 1 level higher than he needed to in order to suggest diamonds, thinking that he has the same in both suits is insane, 5♠-7♦ is what I´d think.

C) preempts work, you overbid a bit, but you would had got a magical score if partner had ♥A as well as ♦K

[neilkaz]

A) Pulling 5♦x is awful! This is a clear pass. Partner could have bid 4♠ to give you the choice of games but he bid 5♦. He's likely 5-7 or 5 and a very strong 6 and could have 5♦ nearly made in his own hand.

B) This looks like a near max for 1♥ and unless PD is a fan of off shape X's I'll risk 3♥.

C) I don't mind 3♠ here but X or pass or even 4♣ are also possible and I'd not criticize any decision. I think there's a decent chance that 3nt makes.

[mike777]

edit

[Yu18772]

1) Partner has longer ♦. Dont rescue him - he had the chance to ask you and he didnt, probably for a good reason.
2) I like 1♥, 3♥ seems an ok bid, and I dont think its sch a great hand given the position of K♣
3) Sorry, but I really dont like 3♠ - it very unilateral imo . Usually at 3+ level X is not necessarily 3 cards, it just shows short ♦ and a competitive hand.
I would prefer double because a lot of good things can happen - partner may leave it in for a 4 digit score, partner may be able to rebid ♥ or bid ♠, and if he choses 3NT over my dbl it is an easy pass, now its a bit of a problem.
Passing is not a good option imo as partner likely holds at least 3 diamonds and will not be able to reopen.

Yu

[Zelandakh]

A) Partner's 5♦ bid shows longer diamonds than spades. Your spade preference is not strong enough to remove this so it is better to leave it in 5♦X.

B)It is possible to play here that a 2♥ response merely shows a 5th heart. If you play it is extra values there is considerable overlap between 1♥ and 2♥. Your 1♥ is ok though and I think the decision over 3♦ is the most difficult of the 4 presented here. If playing traditional doubles then I can count on partner to have 3-4 diamonds and pass seems best at IMPS r/r. If playing a more modern style then I would be too worried about partner having shorter diamonds and compete to 3♥. This is one of the major advantages of traditional shape-based doubles.

C) For me this is a clear X over 3♦. Bidding 3♠ directly would usually show a stronger hand.