[EricK]

I wouldn't mind a game bid on 1 and 5, but wouldn't necessarily always make one. I would tend to avoid a game bid on the others, but sometimes might make one anyway if the fancy took me!

[mikestar]

MFA, on Jan 9 2007, 04:01 AM, said:

So, does anybody bid 4♥ with

♠A5
♥AQ109542
♦J972
♣-

?

First seat, all vul.

Al Roth, probably. Nobody else I can think of.

[mikestar]

I generally open a preempt with a strong hand only in third seat at game level. I will overcall with a game level preempt on a strong hand whenever slam is unlikely (partner is passed or their opener is sound enough--I would not bid a strong 4M over a Moscito limited opening with an unpassed partner.)

awm, on Jan 9 2007, 04:24 AM, said:

AKQxxxx
xx
KQx
x

x
KQJTxx
AKxx
xx

x
AQJx
KQJxxxx
x

KQJTxx
x
AKxxx
x

x
AQJTxxxx
AQ
xx

In third seat:

1. 4♠ I'm certain spades it the right suit, if partner has a good pass it has good prospects, if partner is weak 4th hand will have an interesting time.

2. 4♥ About a playing trick less than the above. The trumps are solid enough that most hands that play well in diamonds also play well in hearts. Put me down for 1♥ if the hearts were less solid.

3. 1♦ Yes, I'd be content to ignore the 4CM with a hand about 6 points lighter, but here ♥Kxxx might be enough for 4♥ with 5♦ down off the top. 5♦ here feels like preempting my own side.

4. 4♠ The same as #2, but less certain--the 6-5 shape means there might be hands where 6 is a make, though that's still against the odds. Definitely 1♠ if playing a sound opening style.

5. 4♥ WTP?

[the saint]

I will do it when my Spidey-sense tingles.