ahydra, on 2012-May-09, 10:38, said:
A perfect minimum is AKx Axxx AKQ xxx - but if partner has soft values and/or two small clubs instead then 6C probably won't make (eg AQJx AKJx KQx xx). Perhaps I'd try 4C over 2NT, assuming partner has a sensible way of rejecting the slam try (eg 5C).
If you didn't fancy slam, playing MPs there's something to be said for just bidding 3NT and being done with it. At imps you would do the same but with 5C instead. [On the flip side of the coin, you might turn a blind eye to science and punt 6C
]
ahydra
You can put the AK A AKQ in any order, mix them up between the non-club suits and achieve the same result.
Or you can have partner have AK AKQ in the rounded suits (either way) and the
♣A with nothing in hearts and achieve the same result.
A reasonable method on this hand is using any system that can show clubs by transfer. I play 4-suit transfers over 2NT openings, so 3
♠ would show clubs. I can follow up with 4
♥ showing shortness and partner can place the contract. The only drawback is that sometimes the contract is 4NT.