Posted 2021-February-23, 14:04
Methods count but, even if one has no specific agreements, the cuebid of 2C seems clear to me: it shows a good hand in context, with diamond support.
It's way too early to bid notrump. Partner is still here: describe your hand....'maximum pass with 3+ diamonds'. Move a diamond into clubs, and now I have a 1N bid. Even making it 3=4=3=3 might get me to bid 1N, but here I have short clubs, and maybe a ruffing value.
Partner can sign off or compete in diamonds, assured of some fit, or can make a move towards game with an unlikely (given that both opps are bidding) trial bid of some kind.
Btw, I would have opened, since I have 5 controls, 3 10's and no rebid problem. I do play a style in which we open most flat 11 counts, aided by using 1N as 14-16 (thus allowing 1x 1y 1N to have a tight range of 11-13. But I'd open even with range of 15-17 for 1N: Aces and Kings, to a lesser degree, are undervalued in the 4321 count scheme, and of course 10's and 9's....look at that K1095 holding...don't you think it's worth more than K653?....aren't valued at all, but obviously have value, especially in long suits.
Rebid considerations are also important...it's fine to pass a close hand when one can see how a common sequence might get you into trouble.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari
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I would open 1♦ if agreements permitted. Spoilt for choice, I now I rank ...
1. 2♣ = UCB (Unless agreement is NAT).
2. Double = NEG (For some partnerships showing an unbid major is a priority).
3. 1N = NAT
4. 1♠ = NAT (But partner will expect 5+ !S)