[blml] Trick question [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Hirsch Davis]

richard.hills at immi.gov.au wrote:
> Imps (Butler scoring against a datum)
> Dealer West
> Nil Vulnerable
>
> The bidding has gone:
>
> WEST      NORTH     EAST      SOUTH
> 3H        X (1)     Pass      3S
> Pass      3NT       Pass      ?
>
> (1) Takeout double
>
> You, South, hold:
>
> J8654
> J
> 976
> AT96
>
> What call do you make?
>
>   
Partner doubled, but did not raise spades.  What does he have?

Partner could be offering a choice between spades and NT.  I prefer spades.
Partner could be afraid to raise spades with only 3-card support.  If 
they're a good 3 cards, I can handle this.
Partner could have a big hand, and been offering me a chance to pass 
with hearts and little else, fearing that I could not balance with long 
hearts and weakness. In this case, he will be fairly short in hearts. 
Perhaps stiff A or Kx. My heart holding and lack of overall strength 
suggests retreat.
Partner could have a flat hand, and be trying for the 9-trick game.  I 
don't have what he's looking for.
Partner could be looking for minors, with a short heart stop. I've got 
help for this.

In fact, I don't think I have what partner is looking for for any hand I 
can think of if I leave it in 3NT.  4C seems to keep the viable options 
open.

Hirsch