Re: Are You Slammin', and if so how?

On 4/21/2008 4:30 PM, StevieTee wrote:
> Hello Everyone!
> 
> OK, you are vulnerable, and the opponents ain't, and you pick up:
> 
>      --void--
>      xx
>      Q98xxxx
>      K9xx
> 
> You are pleasantly surprised to hear your partner open in 1st seat
> with 2NT (20 to 21 hcps).  Do you have a system for handling this type
> of hand?  What is your bidding plan?
> 
> Thanks in advance - Steve Sun

I don't know how slammish I am on this hand. Partner can have a perfect 
minimum making 7d laydown (xxxx AKxx AKx AQ), but can also have 
good-looking hands where 6d has no play (KQJx KQJ Ax Axxx). 5d is 
reasonably likely to make, though, so I can afford to go looking.

3S, in my methods, is a relay to 3NT for a slam try in either minor. I 
follow up with 4D. If partner hates my slam he can bid 5D, and otherwise 
he will cue a first-round control (probably H). I'll cue 4S in return, 
and if he can cue 5C I will try 5N, GSF.

At MPs the possibility of getting past 3NT when there is no slam is too 
dangerous, so I bid 3NT and expect to be with the field (or maybe, if 
I'm feeling swingy, I puppet to see if partner has 5 hearts, and can get 
an extra trick by ruffing a spade in my hand).

-- 
Cheers,
     Alan (San Jose, California, USA)