Posted 2013-August-08, 11:15
Let me add a new take on this.
My take is that it is mostly S who is at fault.
The auction to 3N had shown nothing other than hcp in N, 26+, and (I assume) a hand for S that could be a zero count. Moreover, I am not as confident as some that S has promised 6 spades. With, say, Jxxxx x xx xxxxx I would probably transfer.
That last point persuades me that it is wrong for N to super-accept with the actual hand, tho I confess it is close and I wouldn't strongly criticize any N who chose to bid, say, 5♠.
However, I think it poor bridge for S to pass 4♠. It is always difficult, at least for me, to realize just how strongly our modest hand will play opposite a 26 count. 26 counts just don't have a lot of fast losers! That's why I recommend mentally creating some hands. In this case, I'd be worried that maybe the 5 level is too high OR that he might accept with a hand that won't fetch slam. I think a little mental effort will go a long way to reassure us that, while there are never guarantees, we will always have play at the 5-level, and will often be cold for slam, and that if he bids slam we should expect to make it.
Say partner has a terrible hand: Kx AKQJ Kxx AKQJ.
Can we imagine a worse 26? 10 hcp opposite our stiff. Only 2 trump? Only 2 Aces. I admit that 5♠ isn't a good contract, but it is far from down and we have created what must be the worst conceivable hand. I don't think you can create a 26 count that is worse.
I think S should bid 5♠.
'one of the great markers of the advance of human kindness is the howls you will hear from the Men of God' Johann Hari