Is South a century late?
North-South have reached a very poor contract. As so often, each of the two players considers that his partner is responsible for the accident. And you, what do you think?
Problem 1
The facts
They missed out on an excellent game; our two friends are not on the same wavelength.
Arguments
North: “I don’t understand why you don’t jump to 4♥ over 2♣. After a new suit 1-over-1, your jump to 3♥ is non-forcing and shows three-card support and 11-12 points including distribution. With my trash, I pass as fast as I can.”
South: “You’re still somewhere in the last century! Let me remind you that we now use 2NT to show a non-forcing raise with three cards and 11-12 points. Delayed raises to the three-level are forcing nowadays.”
Verdict
The one who is right is South. At least when he explains to his partner that his bid is forcing by inference. Limit raises with 11-12 points are now made with either 3♥ to show four trumps or with 2NT when you have three-card support. As a corollary, the delayed raise to the three-level is game-forcing, even after the initial response of 1♠, 1-over-1. Note that the 2NT response to 1♥ doesn’t deny four or even five cards in Spades. In the ranges of 8-10 or 11-12 points, it’s a priority to show the Heart support.
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Problem 1; opening 1 H with 4 and 10 points? Partner’s bid of 1 spade has made the opener’s hand worse, not better.
Born in the first half of the last century and proud of it. Pass-1 spade-1NT end.
The fact something can be made doesn’t mean it should be bid. Many bid 6 and make 7 despite being off an ace.
Problem 2: Transfer and offer 3 NT, The less you say the less the opponents know.
Problem 3: Responsive doubles are a nice tool.
Problem 1: 5 hearts and 12 HCP.