[Fluffy]

1♥-2♣
2♦-3♣ .... 3♣ is not forcing with about 11 HCP
3♠


The other question is if you think 4♣ raise over 3♣ is forcing or not

[gnasher]

I'm not sure how you want me to vote, but I think it's asking for a spade stopper and says nothing about length. The most likely shape is probably 2542, because with a singleton club you'd be less inclined to drive game, and if you had a singleton spade someone might have overcalled.

That knowledge, and the lack of an overcall, might lead responder to bid 3NT on a half-stop like Qxx or even Jxx, if the rest of his hand suggested that this was the best chance to make game, but he's not explicitly being asked to do that.

I think a direct raise to 4♣ is forcing, because we need a way to start a cue-bidding sequence, and because responder's hand is already quite tightly defined.

[the hog]

I agree with Andy, though I would suggest you do have a 2542 shape.
With a really and a stiff S good hand you might splinter with 4S over 3C. Playing simple bidding with a weaker 1543 you might just raise 2C to 3

[phil_20686]

the hog, on 2012-April-03, 05:10, said:

I agree with Andy, though I would suggest you do have a 2542 shape.
With a really and a stiff S good hand you might splinter with 4S over 3C. Playing simple bidding with a weaker 1543 you might just raise 2C to 3

Yes but you could have a stronger 3541 shape IMO. Something like Jxx AKQJx AKxx J would (may) bid this way too.

[ArtK78]

I agree with what has been said above. The 3♠ bid is clearly a notrump probe, so the exact number of spades is unknown. Opener is very likely to be 2542 or 3541. I suppose he could be 4540 with weak spades, but that is unlikely. If I had to guess, I would say that 2542 is the most likely shape for opener (and that is how I voted).

[P_Marlowe]

FSF - I am a simple sould, which is basically the same
as what was said in the previous posts.

I voted other.

And 4C is forcing.

I believe, that if I am commiting myself to play 5C,
it is a good idea, if there is a reasonable chance for
making an overtrick in 5C.

And I dont believe in playing 4m.

With kind regards
Marlowe

[xxhong]

IMO, 3S just shows doubts in 3NT. The shape can be 3-5-4-1 (for example: xxx AKTxx AQxx x), 2-5-4-2 (For example: Qx AKxxx AJxx xx). I think with 1-5-4-3, I would almost always raise C, which is the purpose of 3C. If you can't raise 3C to 4C, why would partner bid 3C?
Of course, there are other types of hands that you may have doubts in 3NT. Sometimes, your hand is too strong to bid 3NT. For example: Ax AKxxx AQxx Jx. Here, it feels good to bid 3S and pull partner's possible 3NT to 4C to show the slam interest. This also helps partner to evaluable his SKxx because if you bid 4C directly, partner may think his SK is wasted.

Fluffy, on 2012-April-03, 04:14, said:

1♥-2♣
2♦-3♣ .... 3♣ is not forcing with about 11 HCP
3♠


The other question is if you think 4♣ raise over 3♣ is forcing or not

[the hog]

phil_20686, on 2012-April-03, 05:17, said:

Yes but you could have a stronger 3541 shape IMO. Something like Jxx AKQJx AKxx J would (may) bid this way too.

Yes, agreed.

[mike777]

Fluffy, on 2012-April-03, 04:14, said:

1♥-2♣
2♦-3♣ .... 3♣ is not forcing with about 11 HCP
3♠


The other question is if you think 4♣ raise over 3♣ is forcing or not

KISS


3s is looking for stopper or advanced cuebid.
4c is 100% gf over 3c...expect 4c bidder to have a void often.

[Statto]

mike777, on 2012-April-03, 18:30, said:

3s is looking for stopper or advanced cuebid.

Or just like 4th suit forcing