Agreed. But how to get to hearts? Not sure I like the negative double with no tolerance for spades. I might pass, planning to bid game in hearts if partner has the values and shape to reopen. That sequence would best describe this hand and discourage slam exploration in an ...
Agreed. Further we bid 6-4-6 rather than 6-6-4 with extras. This hand is an Ace better than our initial response promised. Why not 2H then 3S over partner's 2NT?
Michael: But your first comment was that 5NT is dangerous and I agree. We could have 9 spades yet land in a 7 or 8 card club slam. Does a 5♠ call, which invites slam and emphasizes spades preclude 6 clubs when it's right? I don't think ...
What level is this game? At the club, East will most often have something in reserve when s/he bids 5♣; usually would rather bid than defend (much scarier). I often double these bids on Josh's theory and end up quietly scoring -550. Conversely, in a regional or ...