[rbforster]

A couple of times recently I've been in 4th seat with a big balanced hand (~19 pts) and watched the auction go 1M-1N(f) to me. How do people normally handle this? Is this like in direct overcalling seat where sometimes you make a "takeout" double with a hand too big for a 1N overcall (intending to bid NT later)? If so, about how strong do you need to be for this?

Since I generally play X as takeout of their major on these sequences I tend to pass here (although I'm open to other suggestions). It could be worse I suppose, since at least 1N is forcing in the common 2/1 style so I can bid again later. Without takeout shape however, I'm probably going to get fixed into passing.

Here's one example from the NAOP qualifier today:

Scoring: MP

(1♠)-P-(1N*)-?

* - forcing

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In this particular case, the auction continued after my pass:

(1♠)-P-(1N*)-P    * forcing NT
(2♣)-P-(P)-X       takeout
(P)-2♦-(3♣)-3♦    wimpy 3♦?
(P)-P-(4♣)-X       I think I'm beating this
AP

Here I wasn't sure how optimistic to be, but I settled on a meek 3♦ raise based on my good trumps . When RHO balanced 4♣ over this, I had no problem doubling and taking 4 tricks myself even with everything over my honors. We were only making 2♦ since partner had an absolute bust (no tens even) with 5♦s (2452).

[jdonn]

I think you bid it very well.

[jikl]

Especially since sometimes partner may only have 3♦ in this sequence and just trying to find a spot.

Sean

[andy_h]

Don't think I have anything to add. I also would have bid as you did, and I certainly don't do anything special after (1M)-p-(1NT) except with just natural stuff and X = takeout.

Interestingly, this kind of hand came up in Beijing and this was the layout:

Scoring: IMP

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Our opponents bid up to 4♥ on the auction of
1S-P-1NT-P
2D-P-2S-P
P - 3H-P-3NT
P - 4H - All Pass

It appears out of 18 tables, only 4 of them got to 4♥.