What should I bid? - Best enquiry for July 2009

The best submission for July came from Tony Treloar.

 Hand:   North is the dealer at Nil vulnerable, playing pairs. My hand (South) was:

5  Q72  QJ10984  Q65

Bidding:	West	North	East	South
		1	Pass	1
	1	Pass	2	?

Comments:    We play standard. Partner's pass says he doesn't like 1NT for some reason. The bidding marks him with spade length which might make it difficult for him to balance. Does 3 here suggest extras or just competitive? I think the 6 card suit and spade shortage makes bidding mandatory at the colours, as long as it doesn't make partner bid again. What are your thoughts?

Sartaj's Reply:

Hi Tony,

Nil vul at pairs is a vulnerability that highly rewards being declarer.

I'd go for 3. This should be a non-forcing,competitive type manoeuvre. All forcing hands start with a double (That is the agreement I have with Tony Nunn)

Cheers
Sartaj

Hi Sartaj

In this sequence is it sensible to play 2NT as Lebensohl? Now I can bid 3 non-forcing. Is a natural 2NT too much to give up when the spades have been overcalled and raised?

Thoughts?

Cheers
Tony

Hi Tony,

It's quite reasonable to play 2NT there as an artificial manoeuvre. In fact, I think Ron Klinger plays that treatment in his recent partnerships. Giving up on natural 2NT is no big deal as long as the partnership can make better use of the bid in other competitive domains.

Sartaj

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