[Fluffy]

---

1♠: 11-15, 5+♠, might have longer minor, might be balanced on the full range.

1NT here is a GF relay that will ask all distribution. Rest NT bids are natural.

[MrAce]

2

[olien]

All 12 of my points are working. Qx of spades is nice and my DJ is even backed us by the 10 and with some length

[Trinidad]

 MrAce, on 2014-May-18, 10:29, said:

2

3

Rik

[helene_t]

It's a decent 12-count and we are r/w at IMPs. I think we have to be in game. I voted 1NT. 3NT could work but if pa has six spades,4♠ is often better.

[PhilKing]

2.8

[aguahombre]

Let's assume that you evaluate the hand as G.F. in NT, which it probably isn't if partner opens 1M with what we do --- it seems that 3NT as described in the poll is your only choice. What I mean by that is the implication you use 1nt, then 3NT (2-step approach) as some conventional toy. Even if that isn't the case...when 3NT describes the desire to play in 3NT opposite a routine 1M, I don't think you want Opener to be leaking information enroute when you are marginal to begin with. You wouldn't be bidding 3NT with a stiff spade, so Partner must feel free to convert with 6 of them.

[mikeh]

I am not relaying. he can pull 3N to spades...I surely can't hold a stiff or void for 3N. In the meantime, if I am pushing to what may be a 23 or 24 hcp game, it would be foolish, on most hands, to allow the opps to hear what partner has.

I do force, but only because I like Aces and I love Qx in partner's major. I expect to fail quite often if he has a minimum, and he will be dealt 11 or 12 more often than 14 or 15. But, especially if I don't try to have partner describe his hand to the opps, I rate to have play.

So I bid 3N.

Edit: I responded to the Op then read the other posts and see that aqua said it all before me

[neilkaz]

 mikeh, on 2014-May-18, 18:03, said:

I am not relaying. he can pull 3N to spades...I surely can't hold a stiff or void for 3N. In the meantime, if I am pushing to what may be a 23 or 24 hcp game, it would be foolish, on most hands, to allow the opps to hear what partner has.

I do force, but only because I like Aces and I love Qx in partner's major. I expect to fail quite often if he has a minimum, and he will be dealt 11 or 12 more often than 14 or 15. But, especially if I don't try to have partner describe his hand to the opps, I rate to have play.

So I bid 3N.

Edit: I responded to the Op then read the other posts and see that aqua said it all before me

We agree...I'll take my shot and let them defend 3NT with limited info.

[the hog]

Why not hit a GF relay and slope out with an invit bid? Else I am bidding 3NT.

[olien]

Is partner expected to pull 3NT with AJxxx Kx AQxxx x? If not, I want to relay as 6m is on 1 of 2 finesses while 3NT may need more.

[the hog]

 olien, on 2014-May-18, 22:34, said:

Is partner expected to pull 3NT with AJxxx Kx AQxxx x? If not, I want to relay as 6m is on 1 of 2 finesses while 3NT may need more.

That is why you hit one gf relay first. If pd makes an unexciting reply you bid 3NT; if pd shows a fit for you you relay out the hand.It also depends whether it is MPs or Imps of course.

[Fluffy]

You can exit the relays when you want to jump to game.

1♠-2NT
2♦-2♥ (minimum with a minor, at most 5 spades)
2♠-2NT (exactly 4 clubs)
3♥-?? (exactly 5314)

What game would you bid?, at which point?

[MrAce]

It also depends on how light do you open. First of all to me vulnerability has zero role in 1 level game openings. Yes it is dangerous when red, but also dangerous to miss game. MP is another story otoh. To me vulnerability is important mostly on overcalls, how high to compete and preempts. So basically if you are opening hands like the players did on vugraph today, frequently almost all balanced some 9s 10 hcps, all 11s and 12s in final match, I would think 2 NT more than enough. However I would never disagree strongly with someone who prefers 3 NT at imps and red.

[gnasher]

 Fluffy, on 2014-May-19, 02:04, said:

You can exit the relays when you want to jump to game.

1♠-2NT
2♦-2♥ (minimum with a minor, at most 5 spades)
2♠-2NT (exactly 4 clubs)
3♥-?? (exactly 5314)

What game would you bid?, at which point?

Having started to relay, I'd go all the way. Then I'd bid 5♣, playing him for something like AJxxx Kxx x KJxx. I wouldn't expect to be right that often, though (and I don't like the methods much).

[whereagles]

2NT seems fair. Pard is going to accept this on any 13 and pass on 11-12, so there.

[gszes]

If we can score up 5 spades when p has the spade AK their side
values even at minimum will normally be enough for game
that % alone is probably enough to be in game vul at imps.

I would choose

1n forcing

however since arriving at the best spot
is often vastly superior than playing in an inferior spot while
giving the opps no information. This hand might easily belong in
hearts/spades possibly even a minor and jumping to 3n under the
guise of being "mysterious". The only player being preempted by a
jump to 3n is your partner.

[jogs]

Why is responder in control of the auction? With a big hand he knows he wants to be in game. With the hand you posted doesn't he need room to describe his hand? 2NT uses too much space.

[whereagles]

By the way, bidding game is ok opposite a normal opener. Precision openers can get somewhat lighter, hence the cautions 2NT (believe me, I've been there before).

[SteveMoe]

Count me with the 2N bidders.
Partner opens 11s and some 10s.
Partner still has a bid coming, and we play 2N shows 12. (11+ to 13 minus).