[DWM]

The second hand of the night where I got confused about NT was the following

1D - (4H) - P - (P)
4NT

What does that 4NT mean, and what should I reply when holding

XXXX
AJT
Ax
QXXX

[gwnn]

"Two places to play", thus minor two-suiter (2065?). Thus, 5♣. Slam could well make, but passing first time going for slam feels unsound (pd might have less than "independent GF hand, looking for a nice sac).

I would have certainly considered a double first round? Even without specific agreements, pd will be unable to make a bid you can't handle.

[whereagles]

Probably a 64 or 74 minors. With 55 or 65 just bid 5♣.

[hrothgar]

You're in a nasty pickle because your original pass misdescribed your hand.

Partner's 4NT is a 2 suited takeout. He almost certainly has clubs and Diamonds and is asking you to express a preference between the minors. Unfortunately, he's never going to play you for this good a hand. If you bid 5♣, you're going to play 5♣. Furthermore, all partner is saying is that your partnership doesn't want to defend 4♥. You don't know partner's strength, so you can't bid 6♣ unilaterally.

Life would have been much easier if you had started with a penalty double. You have three defensive tricks versus a Heart contract, and partner should be good for a couple more.

[Robert]

Hi everyone

The modern school normally plays a 'card showing' double at high levels. The higher the level, the more likely that the double will be left in.

4NT in this auction tends to show 'two places' to play. With equal minors, partner would normally bid 5Cs. With longer diamonds, partner can use the 4NT bid 'if' the partnership is on the same wavelenght. 'If' partner is a modern player, he might have Diamonds and Spades. Be warned.

5Cs with some partners and 6Cs with other players. I would guess 5Cs' unless I had some 'extra knowledge' about partners' bidding style.

Regards,
Robert

[david_c]

I agree with the others - 4NT shows the minors, with diamonds longer than clubs, and you are on a guess as to whether to bid 5♣ or to try for slam in clubs. I also agree that double would probably have been better on the previous round, pretty much regardless of what it means.

[Echognome]

Agree with people that double shows more values than shape. But also that it is somewhat by agreement. I would have doubled last round.

At this point I bid 5♣ only. I'm on a total guess.

[HeartA]

DWM, on Nov 22 2006, 03:35 AM, said:

The second hand of the night where I got confused about NT was the following

1D - (4H) - P - (P)
4NT

What does that 4NT mean, and what should I reply when holding

XXXX
AJT
Ax
QXXX

You meant you passed with TWO aces and 11 count after pd opened? I would not. Now I bid 5H (2 aces, or cue-bid if pd takes that way).

[whereagles]

Oh, incidently, I bid 6♣ now.

[pclayton]

I have a monstrous hand when pard reopens with 4N. I expect long diamonds and secondary clubs.

Ax, x, KQxxxx, AKxx feels like a minimum to me, and 6 is excellent. Would any of you really make this call without these cards? My hand hasn't shown anything.

I'm bidding 5♥, and anyone that bids less than 6♣ needs assertiveness training

I would have doubled the 1st time too.

[hrothgar]

pclayton, on Nov 22 2006, 09:39 PM, said:

I have a monstrous hand when pard reopens with 4N. I expect long diamonds and secondary clubs.

Ax, x, KQxxxx, AKxx feels like a minimum to me, and 6 is excellent. Would any of you really make this call without these cards? My hand hasn't shown anything.

I'm bidding 5♥, and anyone that bids less than 6♣ needs assertiveness training

I would have doubled the 1st time too.

Think that mainy of the members of this forums would open 1♦ holding

♠ xx
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AKxxx

You could easily be off two Spades on the opening lead

Some would consider the same bid with a weaker hand with no defense against hearts. Say

♠ x
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AJTxx

Recall: Partner doesn't have anything. 4♥ looks to be making.

[whereagles]

pclayton, on Nov 22 2006, 06:39 PM, said:

Ax, x, KQxxxx, AKxx feels like a minimum to me, and 6 is excellent

If you're only going to bid on monsters like that, you sure gonna pass a lot

[pclayton]

Think that mainy of the members of this forums would open 1♦ holding

♠ xx
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AKxxx

You could easily be off two Spades on the opening lead

Some would consider the same bid with a weaker hand with no defense against hearts. Say

♠ x
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AJTxx

Both of these are 5♣ calls Richard.

The attractiveness for me is that pard has secondary clubs. To venture out to the 5 level, therefore, shows extra strength since he has shorter clubs.

[hrothgar]

pclayton, on Nov 22 2006, 11:37 PM, said:

Think that mainy of the members of this forums would open 1♦ holding

♠ xx
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AKxxx

You could easily be off two Spades on the opening lead

Some would consider the same bid with a weaker hand with no defense against hearts. Say

♠ x
♥
♦ KQJxxx
♣ AJTxx

Both of these are 5♣ calls Richard.

You're welcome to chance the hand from a 6-5 to a 7-4 if it makes you happy. My basic point still stands. 5♣ doesn't promise a strong hand.

You could easily be off two cashing Spades or a top Spade and a Club.

[Gerben42]

What does it mean? It shows both minors, since with only ♦ he would bid those again, and with ♠ partner can bid ♠.

Okay, make that the rule of 2, 3 and 4. Although 4NT is a bit complicated...

What to bid now? Well you have two aces more than promised, I bid 6♣. I know, could be off two cashing ♠, but after the ♥ lead it's our turn first.

[hrothgar]

Gerben42, on Nov 23 2006, 12:37 AM, said:

What to bid now? Well you have two aces more than promised, I bid 6♣. I know, could be off two cashing ♠, but after the ♥ lead it's our turn first.

Who in their right mind is leading a Heart on this auction?

[jillybean]

LOL

[neilkaz]

PD should have a minor suited monster so I bid 6♣ which should have good play. Even if 2♠ can cash, they likely have to lead them !

.. neilkaz ..