Posted 2022-May-25, 03:17
I think 4♦ could be based on diamonds only or both minors, although those hands will often double. But I think you have to avoid double with hands that are unsuitable for defence. So I don't think that 4♦ promises spade support.
As for opener's bids now:
4♥ would ostensibly be choice of game, and secondarily some slam try, maybe specifically with diamonds support. The a slam try in spades could bid 4NT directly.
4♠ would show extra length.
4NT would be nice to have as a natural bid and quite possibly it should be. RKC for spades, or just a general try for 4♠, is an alternative. Although the given hand would really like to bid a natural 4NT I think this is infrequent.
5♣ I would take as natural, but probably it is better to play it as a a slam try in diamonds, then 4♥ would promise a flexible hand (or a slam try in spades, maybe, if direct 4NT is natural).
With this hand I bid 4♥, if partner can show a doubleton spades I am happy with 4♠.
The world would be such a happy place, if only everyone played Acol :) --- TramTicket