First Question
This deal occurred in a large online Open Pairs game in June 2022. You are 3rd seat, both vulnerable.
One notrump is 15-17. East’s double promises both major suits. In your partnership, two diamonds would be a transfer for hearts. You can bid two notrump (transfer for diamonds); partner rebids three clubs with most hands but rebids three diamonds with a top honor in diamonds plus fast tricks outside.
What are your side’s chances in a diamond contract? If you bid two notrump and partner rebids three clubs (discouraging), will you sign off at three diamonds: If you bid two notrump and partner encourages with three diamonds, will you pass?
Bonus from Val: When you have this sort of hand, opposite a strong notrump, you should (1) be very optimistic about your side’s chances when declaring in diamonds, (2) be very unwilling to sell out to two of a major by the opponents, and (3) have some hope that your side may have nine fast tricks in notrump. If your initial thoughts are less optimistic than this, pay close attention to this quiz.