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"Pass" is an underused word in BBO bidding. Overcalling Ten-fifth just because it's your turn is not my style.
On the other hand, if you have a hand with a REASON to bid, bid the H**l out of it. Holding the East hand below and hearing partner overcall One Spade, just jump to Four Spades at once.
No reason to hesitate except for ETHICS: Don't tell everyone how obvious the Four Spade raise is.
The West hand is TREMENDOUS. Only 15 pts, but 4 QT and barely 4 losers. If the suit were a major, is opening 2♣ clear-cut?
But opening is not an option. You hear "1♦" -- your best suit -- and a response on your right. What now? Is there a prescription for letting partner know ♦ is MY suit?
1♠ shows five minimum when I bid it (though some BBO'ers do it with Qxxx). But this is a very good 4-bagger and I'm at a loss what else to do.
Against 3♠, play was club ruffed, diamond ruff, spade, diamond ruff, spade with either 11 or 12 tricks cold depending on K♥.
I welcome criticism of my bidding. Should I have been more aggressive? Foresee that 4♠ making Six is likely?
I will comment on the others' bids.
I open most 12's but might pass this mediocre 4-3-3-3. I would certainly PASS over 1♠. Pass -- "I have a minimum" -- is the most descriptive call.
It is the EAST player (self-described "Advanced" SAYC) whose actions are most deplorable. A void is 5 "dummy points" in the ancient textbooks and competition makes a 4♠ bid MORE compellimg, despite the worthless(?) Queens.
