Posted 2013-February-21, 10:38
I don't understand why anyone would regret not making a 2 suited overcall earlier: we have spades! Six times! and only 4 diamonds.
The only regret I have is that I didn't overcall 2♠, which would have been my choice at favourable opposite a limited hand.
Sure, it's a trifle heavy, but I've had a fair amount of success with this approach.
As for now, I know it is unpopular, especially in a bidding forum, to advocate a low-level pass but that's my choice, assuming imps.
At mps, I'd risk a 2♦ call because going -50 or -100 is likely to be a win (I'm not saying we won't make), whether in diamonds or spades, and pushing them to the 3-level might be an even bigger win.
At imps, I'm going to go quietly.
The auction isn't always over at this point, especially if LHO has the spade holding I fear: something like AJ9x. RHO didn't rebid 1N, which may be for shape reasons, but which at least increases the chances that spades sit poorly for us. My spots are horrific.
If I pass, LHO may be bidding 2N or 3♣ whereas if I bid (especially 2♠) LHO may start doubling. 500 against 110 is a very live possibility.
Passing out of fear is usually losing tactics, and maybe I have swung too low here, but that's my view on this one.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari