Understanding of partner’s response

This question was asked to: Julian Pottage

Question

Hi Julian At favourable vulnerability with a 7 loser hand, although not meeting the guideline of 20 and too strong for 2H, I opened 1H in second seat holding:—- S. J8 H. KQ10963 D. K62 C. J8 The bidding went … {P} – 1H – (2C) – 3D; (P) – 3H – (P) – 3S – (P); (P) – 4D all pass
I considered partner’s response to possibly be a Fit Jump Raise being below a Splinter. However in response to his 3S bid and not holding a stopper in Clubs I gave preference to his Diamonds.
Partner held : —
S. AK1072
H. void
D. QJ9753
C. 75

I welcome your comment.

Julian Pottage's Answer

Taking the vulnerability into account is indeed a good idea in deciding whether to open 1H or 2H. The two doubleton jacks or not pulling full weight and if you were vulnerable this would be a 2H opening rather than a 1H opening. I do not understand why your partner bid 3D. If you were playing online, i would suspect a misclick. Your partner has two suits to show, so even if you were not playing fit-jumps, 3D would be a mistake: the way to maximise the chance of showing both suits is to keep the bidding low. 4D is likely to make if spades are 3-3 or if the defensive spade length was such that nobody could overruff when your partner was trying to ruff spades in your hand.

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