helene_t, on 2015-June-26, 14:47, said:
I am not convinced by Mendelson's argument.
Partner usually isn't strong enough to use fourth suit when you have such a monster. Suppose he bids 2♣. Now you have to do something forcing again on your third turn. 2♦ is probably what you would bid with a 4045 16-18 count. Partner can pass it.
Partner usually isn't strong enough to use fourth suit when you have such a monster. Suppose he bids 2♣. Now you have to do something forcing again on your third turn. 2♦ is probably what you would bid with a 4045 16-18 count. Partner can pass it.
Bid 2NT with the 4045 (with a subsequent 3♦ reply natural) and use 2♦ as a catch-all force. That does not mean I am advocating 1♠ as forcing, just that this seems like a very easy solution to this particular issue.