Double. I see the main danger as being that partner leaves the double in with something like SJ9xx and the contract makes. But it looks like the oppo have found an 8+ card fit so we won't pick up too many MPs defending 2S undoubled.

Incidentally you ought to discuss what 2N by partner now means (my recommendation = pick a minor).

The blog owner changed this comment on 23/07/08 11:03

Double.

Bit of a non-question for me I'm afraid.

We either have a fit and play at favourable at the 3-level or defend 2S* and try for the magic plus 200. Maybe partner does have SJ9xx (or S5432) and the contract makes. Maybe all the cards lie favourably for declarer and he makes an overtrick. Maybe I'll get run over by a bus tomorrow.

I think I'm inclined to pass and take my chances in defence - I have a nice lead. Rob and I play dble as being for take out in this situation but we like it to show more values i.e a hand able to bid 2N but for the overcalled suit. I'm not really sure if I agree with Simon on it being easier to dble if playing a strong NT. It might only be a point or two extra and 2S is just as likely to come in if the distrib favours the opps.

Changing the subject - partner opens 1H, pass from next hand, what do you bid with S987x HAxxxx DAJ C xx ? Both Rob and Neil Rosen insisted that 3H was correct; I thought the hand too strong for 4H and that 3H was insufficient - partner could pass yet game could make opposite S AQxx H Kxxx D Kxxx C x. My bid was a somewhat off the wall 2C (followed by 4H) - Rob held S AKxx H KQJx D KQxx C K. He bid 2D over 2C but I think it wld have been diffic to reach 6H even if he had rebid 2S. We also play Jacoby but I figured the hand too weak to bid 2N. Interested to know your views.

I doubled which led to a curious sequence!

1NT 2S X 3S; 4D P P 4S; X

Where oppo made a mere 11 tricks.

I won't publish H's 12-count on this occasion!