[pescetom]

 bluenikki, on 2026-May-04, 20:44, said:

Extra long hearts that will not run at notrump.

Yesterday I managed to keep a straight face as 3NT declarer struggled to digest that I had taken out his only entry to dummy containing ♣KQJTxxx opposite his stiff Ace.

[Cyberyeti]

mw64ahw, on 2026-May-03, 15:28, said:

This isn't a good 12 so I wouldn't be bidding 3N in the first place, but we're not talking about a regular partner

Strange comment, this is such a good 12 I'd say it's closer to 13.5 or 14, 2 aces and a KJ109 are way more than 12

[bluenikki]

pescetom, on 2026-May-05, 02:00, said:

An only slightly manufactured 2♣ is forcing and will give partner the opportunity to further describe his hand, now you are better placed to decide whether to bid 3NT or not (you would probably opt for 4♥ instead).

Sure, but only an explicit agreement will stop partner from taking 2♣ _in competition_ as a suggestion of a possible strain.

[pescetom]

 bluenikki, on 2026-May-05, 05:57, said:

Sure, but only an explicit agreement will stop partner from taking 2♣ _in competition_ as a suggestion of a possible strain.

No such agreement (if you fully buy into the 'Style' concept, at any rate) and he *will* take it as a suggestion of a possible strain. He is free to raise clubs (with 4 cards, in our system) and we might even buy into that if it starts to look better than hearts or NT. If not we still have all options open.

[mw64ahw]

Cyberyeti, on 2026-May-05, 02:16, said:

Strange comment, this is such a good 12 I'd say it's closer to 13.5 or 14, 2 aces and a KJ109 are way more than 12

Yep - you're right, but I'd still be bidding 2♣ and end in 4♥