TD ruling
1NT(12-14), P, 2H(transfer), P, 2S, 3H, Long hesitation then P, P, 3S ??
I think the 3S bid was not ethical.
The hand was 14 points with 4S (K,J,x,x)
I think the 3S bid was not ethical.
The hand was 14 points with 4S (K,J,x,x)
Comments
This hand might have bid 3S instead of 2S, and many would not want to defend 3H with a 9-card spade fit.
But doubtless Pass is a logical alternative and you should adjust to the score for 3H making some number of tricks.
I would not use words like "not ethical" to opener, just explain that the laws require that they pass if any one would pass (without the long hesitation) - and these positions are not easy to judge.
I would want to know vulberability and see the rest of the hand - NV, a low doubleton heart and good intermediates might rule out pass as a logical alternative.
Maybe partner was thinking about doubling 3 hearts. After all (to the 1NT opener) he could have something like
AXXXX KJX KXX XX
Where he has a nasty surprise for the 3H bidder (Who couldn't bid 2 hearts( or whatever their system bid is to show hearts) over the 1NT opening bid.) and game is problematical.
Also of course is the 'class of player' - if he is one of those who swears by the Law of Total tricks then passing would not be a logical alternative.
I think that a poll might be needed with the exact hand and vulnerability... you have this hand, this is the bidding up to 3H - pass - pass, what calls do you consider and what call do you make.
If my hand is something like:
KJxx
xx
AQxx
KJx
then I cannot see myself passing non-vul, vulnerable I would seriously consider passing but would probably still bid 3S (this might be why I end up in lots of bad contracts ;) )