[661_Pete]

This gave me a bit of a dilemma.

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Clearly rather too strong for a simple 4♥ overcall - I was wondering: could I possibly find partner with an Ace? Seeing as opponents would be likely to lead ♠, A♠ would be enough for the slam.

We play Acol with weak jump overcalls, so 3♥ wasn't an option. Double? Even if partner shows ♦ I don't know if she has first- or second-round control. And there is a serious risk of a penalty pass - which I don't want!

After a lot of thought I settled for the soft option of 4♥ - prepared to raise to 5♥ if the opponents bid 4♠ (they didn't). Just as well since partner had no aces and nothing in ♦. She was void in ♥ but the Q fell singleton, so I was happy enough with my 11 tricks.

No-one else ventured the slam, so in the end this freak board was a flat board...

[HardVector]

I'd definitely want to be in at least 5♥ on this one. Looking at this got me wondering what a bid of 4♠ would mean? I would think it should promise a spade void at least, but would it also promise one good suit, or some 2 suiter? If the direct bid would show a 2 suiter, then I'd probably start with a double then bid 4♠ (if available), then 5♥. That way, partner would know I'm not sacrificing and bid the slam with a card that looks useful.

[661_Pete]

Just been looking at this thread. Obviously I'm not as strong as any of those! But I wonder how 3♠ over 1♠ works - showing strength and a cue bid (not Michaels). What does partner respond with no controls? 3NT - then I bid 4♥?

[nige1]

661_Pete' writes "This gave me a bit of a dilemma. Clearly rather too strong for a simple 4♥ overcall - I was wondering: could I possibly find partner with an Ace? Seeing as opponents would be likely to lead ♠, A♠ would be enough for the slam. We play Acol with weak jump overcalls, so 3♥ wasn't an option. Double? Even if partner shows ♦ I don't know if she has first- or second-round control. And there is a serious risk of a penalty pass - which I don't want! After a lot of thought I settled for the soft option of 4♥ - prepared to raise to 5♥ if the opponents bid 4♠ (they didn't). Just as well since partner had no aces and nothing in ♦. She was void in ♥ but the Q fell singleton, so I was happy enough with my 11 tricks.
No-one else ventured the slam, so in the end this freak board was a flat board...]
I wonder how 3♠ over 1♠ works - showing strength and a cue bid (not Michaels). What does partner respond with no controls? 3NT - then I bid 4♥?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

IMO 661_Pete's 3♥ suggestion seems right. Many pairs agree that an immediate jump-cue overcall of a suit-opener shows a good suit, initially stopper-asking for 3N. e.g.
after (1♠) 3♠ )Pass) ?
- 3N = STOP in ♠.
- 4♣ = P/C. No stop
- 4♦ = Good hand.
- 4M = NAT.
Now 4♥ shows slam interest..

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[nullve]

661_Pete, on 2018-December-15, 03:36, said:

We play Acol with weak jump overcalls, so 3♥ wasn't an option.

Well, maybe this is the time to psyche a weak jump overcall in hearts.