Bridge Hand

[jianantonic]

KJxx Ax AKJTxx x
Matchpoints, all red

(2S) 3D (3S) 5C
(P) ?

Z posted this one as a problem from his perspective - now I'm posting about the problem he gave me with his 5C bid.

Comments

[quandary87.livejournal.com]

Since I checked Z's LJ and saw his hand, I'm now thinking... does 5C even make? Cause I don't think it really does. If it doesn't, this hand isn't so much of a problem hand anymore-- you're likely to get a bad result whatever you do.

Back to the problem at hand... if X is responsive / takeout of some sort, I prefer that bid with his hand. Then you'd pass the double and they'd go for 1100 (or maybe 800). But I assume you're playing matchpoints, so I don't really like his bid at all. 5C being not 3N or 4 of a major always rates to be bad at matchpoints.

Finally, once he bid 5C, you have two options, 5D or pass. I don't think you can go any further because your hand is not very good. Since you know he is void in spades, 4 of your points are nullified and you have no trump support. Your diamonds are pretty solid, so I guess you could just bid 5D. As the cards lie, if they lead a spade, you can ruff and possible set up hearts for 2 pitches, on 3-3 hearts, or possibly pickup the QD, to make it. 5C doesn't play as well because of likely 2 club losers.

[pwylltwiceborn.livejournal.com]

5D was my immediate thought. It's not great, but hell.