PLAY BRIDGE
either if you have a void: — K Q J 10 4 A K Q 2 K Q 10 3 You open 1 and partner PLAY BRIDGE PLAY bids 3 (limit). If you bid 4NT (Blackwood), partner shows one ace. Well, which ace is it? If it’s the club ace, slam will be a good shot. If it’s the A, partner’s club holding will be critical to the slam’s success. Blackwood If he has the A, however, you’ll show two aces. have two losers on top — the A hole books have been This sounds simple enough, but and the A. You don’t want to be written on the topic there’s a catch. It’s critical that the guessing in situations like these, so Wof ace-asking conven- 4NT bidder have the right type it’s better not to use Blackwood on tions, so the discussion of Easley of hand to ask for aces. First, the these type of hands. Blackwood’s concept in this column Blackwood bidder must have some As an extension of the ace-asking will be brief by comparison. The indication that the partnership’s idea, opener can ask for the number Blackwood convention, developed combined values are in the slam of kings responder holds by bidding early in the history of duplicate range. Second, the 4NT bidder must 5NT. The responses: bridge, quickly gained popular have a hand that will allow her to 6 zero or four kings approval. As many bridge teach- proceed intelligently after hearing 6 one king ers will point out, however, the response. This means that the 6 two kings Blackwood may be responsible asker should not have a hand with 6 three kings for more bidding disasters than two fast losers in one suit, nor Again, there’s a catch. 5NT isn’t any other convention developed. should she have a void. just king-asking, it’s a grand-slam Understanding its proper use, there- Say you held probe. Responder is permitted to fore, is important for successful A K Q 10 5 3 6 A 9 2 K Q 7, jump to the seven level with the duplicate play. and opened 1. If partner responds right type of hand. Most partner- The basic idea behind the 3 (limit), you have an excellent ships play, therefore, that asking Blackwood convention is to de- hand for slam purposes both in for kings with 5NT guarantees that termine how many aces partner strength and in controls (aces and the partnership holds all the aces. holds. In certain circumstances, kings, the singleton heart). It would Don’t bid 5NT if (as the Blackwood this permits slams to be accurately be appropriate to ask for aces with bidder) you know that your side is bid — or avoided. The player who this type of hand. If partner has at missing an ace. wishes to know how many aces least one ace, 6 should have a Say you held partner holds bids 4NT, usually as chance. With two aces, you’d be a A 7 6 4 10 2 6 K Q J 6 4 2. part of a constructive auction. heavy favorite. But say your hand Partner opens 1. You bid 1 For example: was this instead: and partner jumps to 3, showing Opener Responder A K Q 10 5 3 6 3 A 9 K Q 7. a strong hand. You know that you’re 1 3 If you asked for aces, and partner going to bid at least a game, so 4NT showed one, could you confidently you cuebid 4 along the way to Responder’s 3 is a limit (invita- bid 6? If you did, you might catch the spade game. Partner tries 4NT tional to game) raise. Opener’s 4NT partner with something like: and you show one ace. Partner then is the Blackwood convention, asking 9 8 7 2 Q 10 4 K Q 5 4 A 6. bids 5NT. True, you could bid 6, responder to indicate how many This will be a silly result if showing one king, but that would aces she holds, using the following (when) the opponents cash the be lazy on this particular hand. schedule of responses: first two heart tricks. Why was 5NT guaranteed all the aces, so you 5 zero or four aces Blackwood not useful here? It’s know that your clubs will likely 5 one ace because of the worthless doubleton provide a huge source of tricks. Bid 5 two aces heart in opener’s hand. It made 4NT 7. Note that you can only do this 5 three aces a poor way to try for slam. (A 4 if it’s clear in your partnership that If responder held this hand cuebid would be better, but that’s a 5NT promises all the aces. Partner’s A 9 7 6 A 10 3 9 4 K 8 6 3, story for a different issue.) hand could be she would bid 5, therefore, to Blackwood isn’t really helpful K Q J 5 A J 8 6 3 A 5 A 8. 44 Bridge Bulletin March 2005 45 PLAY BRIDGE PLAY BRIDGE PLAY
Cappelletti over 1NT Examples DEFENSE VS NOTRUMP — part 1 Say your RHO opens 1NT In first seat you hold (15–17) and you hold the following vs: ______Strong ______Q 8 A J 8 A K 10 5 K 9 8 6. hands: 2♣ ______one suit ______You open 1NT and your left-hand op- A Q 9 5 2 K J 10 4 3 8 6 3 ponent intervenes with 2 showing Bid 2, showing both majors. 2♦ ______ & ______the majors. Don’t you just hate that? Yes, you only have 10 high-card 2♥ ______ & minor ______Bridge players have learned that points, but the shapeliness of this it pays to compete over opening hand makes it more valuable. 2♠ ______ & minor ______strong 1NT bids when they hold K J 9 4 3 6 K 7 Q J 10 4 2 Dbl: ______strong or running ______suit shapely hands. Generally, it’s best Bid 2, showing spades and a to compete with hands containing a minor suit. Other______2NT = minors long suit or with two-suited hands A 7 4 K J 10 7 3 2 8 6 5 3 ______— usually with 5–5 or even 5–4 Bid 2 showing a one suiter. distribution — and appropriate This hand has only 8 HCP and may Notice that this defense values. not be worth much on defense, but (Cappelletti) against the opponents’ The object of the interference is it should be quite good on offense. 1NT openings is listed under the not to get to game, but rather trying Remember, your aim is to interfere heading “vs. Strong,” meaning that to obstruct the opponents and to do with the opponents’ bidding. you play it only when the opponents so safely. You hate it when they bid 7 4 K Q J 10 7 4 2 A Q 3 A use a 15–17 (or 16–18) 1NT range. over your 1NT — turn the tables Double. Do not bid 2 to show a If you play a different system and do it to them! one-suited hand. You are too strong. against weak 1NT openings (such as For this to be effective, however, If you end up defending 1NT 11–14 or 13–15 HCPs), write it in you need a system to define your doubled, you can lead a heart and the adjacent column, and write the bids. One of the most popular of expect to take at least six hearts and word “Weak” on the “vs” line. these methods is called Cappelletti, two aces. If the opponents scramble Next month: How to respond a treatment that is also commonly to safety, you can next bid your when partner interferes over the known as Hamilton. hearts and partner will know you opponents’ 1NT opening. have a good hand and a good suit. How it works J 10 7 6 5 3 K 9 2 8 4 6 2 Get ’em while Double shows a good hand, either Pass. True, you have a six-card they’re hot a very strong balanced hand or spade suit, but this hand is too weak (better) a hand with a running suit to compete. Do not bid 2 to show Phyllis Prager, of Sarasota FL, that can be used to defeat 1NT. a one-suited hand. was at a large Florida regional, 2 shows any one suit. playing in the Senior Pairs. Wilson 2 shows both majors. Full disclosure Day was directing and made some jovial and charming announcements 2 shows hearts and a minor When you fill out your as the session was getting under convention card, don’t simply write suit. way. One of those announcements 2 shows spades and a minor “Cappelletti” or (worse) “Capp” was that the playing area was “a suit. on the convention card. Fill in cell free zone.” Will Martzloff of 2NT shows both minors. what suits each bid shows on the Rochester NY showed his quick Three-level bids are natural and appropriate line. wit, calling out, “I’ll take two.” preemptive (weak). For example:
44 Bridge Bulletin September 2005 45 PLAY BRIDGE
8 6 2 J 8 7 4 3 2 4 J 10 4. Bid 2. Do not bid 2 with a bad suit and a bad hand. PLAY BRIDGE PLAY Partner bids 2 and your right- hand opponent doubles. What do you call with K 8 3 Q 7 4 2 Q 10 6 K 5 4? Redouble. This says you have at least 7 HCP and support for your partner’s suit. She is invited to compete. Cappelletti over 1NT if it is a two-card suit. If you have Partner bids 2. What would you a fit for one major and 11 or more call with — part 2 HCP, bid a forcing 2NT, ostensibly 8 4 6 3 K J 8 4 2 K J 4 2? ridge players like to compete for the minors, but follow up by Bid 2NT, which asks partner to over an opponent’s opening supporting the major suit. name her better minor. You don’t Bstrong 1NT bid when they If partner bids 2 or 2 like spades, but you are happy to hold a shapely hand. Last month we showing that major and either play in clubs or diamonds. explored a method to do this called minor suit, you should raise the Partner bids 2. What would you Cappelletti (also called Hamilton). major with a good fit and 8 to 11 call with How do we act as responder after points. If you don’t like the major 9 4 K Q J 7 4 J 8 6 K 9 2? partner interferes? but fit both minors, bid 2NT to ask Pass. Partner has at least five partner which minor suit she holds. spades. It’s not advisable to bid Review of how Cappelletti works When partner names it, you may 2NT to ask for her minor. Your fit Here is a review of what partner’s then pass. might not be much better and you bids mean when she intervenes. If you have a strong raise for are raising the bidding to the three Double shows a good hand, either the major, bid 2NT first asking for level. In any event, you have some a very strong balanced hand or partner’s minor. Over her response, help for partner, so pass and hope (better) a hand with a running suit support the major. This shows a for the best. that can be used to defeat 1NT; stronger hand than a direct raise. 2 shows any one suit; 2 shows Even though the idea is to obstruct Know what you’re playing both majors; 2 shows hearts and the opponents, sometimes you can If you and your partner agree to a minor suit; 2 shows spades and make game and this allows you to play Cappelletti, you may wish to a minor suit, and 2NT shows both find out. If partner has a minimum discuss it in more detail. minors. 5–5 type hand, she may pass your We are trying to interfere with the invitation. opponents. What do we do if they Responding after partner bids turn the tables and they interfere If partner bids 2 showing a Examples with us? one-suited hand, you normally bid Take a look at these hands. All Here’s an example. Partner bids 2 so partner can name her suit start with your left-hand opponent 2 over 1NT and your right-hand or pass (if she has diamonds). An opening a strong 1NT. opponent bids 2. What is a double exception is that you may name Partner bids 2. What would you by you? Does that mean you can set your own decent six-card major. If call with them, or does it ask partner to name your opponent doubles the 2 bid, K 8 3 Q 7 4 2 Q 10 6 K 5 4? her suit? What is 2 by you? Is a redouble by you shows 7 or more This one is easy. Bid 2, which that pass or correct or does it show high-card points and support for any allows partner to pass or name her hearts? suit partner wants to name. suit. If partner doubles 1NT and I have If partner bids 2 showing hearts Partner bids 2 and you have a weak hand, what should I do? and spades, you should bid your 8 6 2 A Q 10 7 4 3 4 J 10 4. These are some examples longer major suit. If you have a Bid 2. You have a good suit of situations that merit further good fit and distribution you may and are willing to play opposite discussion. jump in the major. If you bid 2NT, shortness. You’ve also helped partner you show the minors and partner if she is on opening lead. Next month: DONT — another should name her longer minor, even Partner bids 2 and you have popular way to interfere.
44 Bridge Bulletin October 2005 45 PLAY BRIDGE PLAY
Fourth-suit forcing nor a club stopper, he should rebid Other matters to discuss Fourth-suit forcing is the popular his first suit — 2 in the previous These are related issues to discuss term for the idea that a bid by auction. with your partner: responder of the only unbid suit at 1. Fourth-suit forcing is not his second turn is an artificial force. Practice hands used if one partner is previously a Most play that it is forcing to game, Here are some examples to clarify passed hand. (Other agreements are although some play it is forcing one how fourth-suit forcing works. possible.) round only. The bid is made when responder has doubts about strain or What do you call holding: 2. Fourth-suit forcing is not used level. K 10 7 A K 8 7 4 J 10 4 A 2? after a 2/1 response. It is used only when the one player bids one of a Suppose you hold: North South suit and the partner responds at the K 2 A K J 4 2 Q 10 3 8 5 3. 1 1 one level. 2 ? You are South and this is the Answer: This one is easy — bid 3. Fourth-suit forcing is not used bidding: 2. You want to see if your partner when opponents intervene in the North South has three-card heart support. If not, bidding. You can use the cuebid 1 1 then you will bid 3NT. instead as a forcing probe. 1 ? 4. A jump in the fourth suit You have enough values for game, What do you call holding: shows a 5–5 hand and is strongly yet no bid is suitable. You cannot invitational. bid 3NT with three low clubs. K 10 7 2 A K 7 4 J 10 4 A 2? Consider this auction: Many players agree that a jump to North South North South 3 shows a six-card suit and is 1 1 1 1 invitational. If you have that agree- 1 ? 1 3 ment, you cannot rebid 3. In other Answer: Bid 4. Do not bid 2, You might hold: words, you don’t have a convenient fourth-suit forcing. You have four- rebid. card spade support and values for 5 2 K Q J 4 3 5 A J 10 4 3. Playing fourth-suit forcing, you game — bid it. should bid 2, a conventional 5. One auction merits special discussion: waiting bid. What do you call holding: Partner’s first obligation is to raise North South hearts with three-card support. His K 10 7 2 A K 8 7 J 10 4 A 2? 1 1 second obligation is to bid 2NT. North South 1 ? You don’t promise clubs to bid 2 1 1 In this auction, most players treat — it is an artificial bid. Your partner 2 ? 1 as natural and forcing. A jump needs a club stopper, therefore, to Answer: Bid 3NT. Partner does to 2 denies a four-card spade suit, bid notrump. Partner can rebid his not have four of either major. You but promises values for game. second suit to show extra length. have values for game and stoppers 6. Fourth-suit forcing is not used In the sample auction, for example, in the unbid suit. You don’t need to after a reverse or after a 2 opener. 2 would show six or more bid fourth-suit forcing. It is used In these cases, you are in a forcing diamonds and at least five spades. when you aren’t sure where to play auction, so the artificial bid is not If partner has neither heart support the contract. needed. r
44 Bridge Bulletin Don’t try to improve the contract. Partner bids 2: diamonds and a major. What is your call with Q 10 4 2 A 9 6 4 K 3 2 8 4? 2, asking partner to pass or bid 2 if that is her second suit. You are sure to have at least a 4–4 fit or PLAY BRIDGE PLAY even a 5–4 fit in a major, so don’t pass 2. Partner doubles, showing a one- suited hand. What would you call with K J 3 2 Q 8 6 3 K J 9 7 5? 2, allowing partner to pass or name her suit. While it is true you only have one club and that is likely partner’s suit, you have no attractive alternative and the hands could be a misfit. If partner surprises you and DONT over 1NT suit to ask partner to pass (if that’s bids 2, 2 or 2, you may raise. he Cappelletti convention the other suit) or to show the second Partner bids 2 showing the (also called Hamilton) has suit by bidding it. majors. What would you do with Tbeen discussed as a method Over 2 (majors) you can pass or A J 10 K 10 7 4 A 7 3 2 8 6? to compete over the opponents’ correct to 2 if you prefer that suit. Bid 2NT, asking partner to opening 1NT. Another popular A raise of partner’s suit is only further describe her hand. You may method, created by Marty Bergen, mildly invitational and usually passed. have game, but you’re not strong is called DONT. It’s an acronym for With a good hand, you can bid enough to bid 4 yourself. On Disturb the Opponents’ No Trump. 2NT asking the DONT bidder to the other hand, you are too strong The purpose of DONT is to be describe his shape and range. You to simply raise to 3. You should able to compete over the opponents’ should discuss this with partner. discuss what rebids by the DONT opening 1NT with many hands, If the opponents bid over your bidder mean in this situation. One yet with some safety. The object partner’s conventional DONT call, method is for partner to bid 3 of interfering is not necessarily to double or redouble asks partner to with a minimum and all other get to game, but to try and find a name their unknown suit. actions are natural with more than a fit and, at the same time, make it Examples minimum. Obviously, more elaborate difficult for the opponents to find What would you call after a strong agreements are possible. their own fit. Two-suited hands are 1NT by your opponent holding Partner doubles, showing one the most common ones that players J 7 A K 8 6 K 7 4 3 2 4 3? suit, and the next hand bids 2, compete with and at least 5–4 2, showing diamonds and a major. Stayman. What do you call with distribution is necessary. What would you call with K J 4 A 5 3 2 Q 8 5 J 10 4? What is the DONT structure? J 4 K Q J 6 3 2 A 8 6 10 7? You have support for whatever suit Double shows any one-suited hand. Double, which shows a one-suited your partner has. Double asking her 2 shows clubs and a higher suit. hand. Do not bid 2, since that to bid her suit. It is safe for partner 2 shows diamonds and a major. shows the majors. Over double, to compete further, so you should 2 shows hearts and spades. partner can bid 2 and you can invite her to do so. 2 shows spades. name your suit. Other issues Since you can get to 2 by Take at look at some sample Which is better, Cappelletti or bidding it directly or by doubling responding hands. All start with DONT? There are advantages to first, most pairs play doubling first your left-hand opponent opening a both. For example, DONT allows is stronger than bidding 2 directly. strong 1NT. you to play 2 with either a one- Responding after partner bids Partner bids 2. What would you suited or a two-suited hand. On the If partner doubles, you should bid call with other hand, when you play DONT, 2 with most hands to let partner 10 8 3 J 3 K 10 7 5 3 Q 10 4? you give up the double showing pass or name her suit. Bids other Pass. You have found a fit. If values since it is used for the one- than 2 show a long suit and you had a fourth club, you could suited overcall. Some partnerships suggest a playable contract. raise. You cannot raise with this compromise by playing DONT only Over 2 or 2, you can pass hand, however, since partner may over strong 1NT bids and playing with three-card support. If you don’t have only four clubs. Your side has Cappelletti over the weak 1NT have support, bid the next higher interfered and found a landing spot. (11–14 HCP). r
44 Bridge Bulletin PLAY BRIDGE
out you have zero aces, he might instead decide to take his chances in 4NT redoubled! He could, after
PLAY BRIDGE PLAY all, have the ace of their suit or the protected king or even a tenace such as the ace–queen. The opponents might run to 5 which gives you the opportunity to double. Either way, you may well score better trying to nail the opposition. The same is true if you pass to DOPI, ROPI and DEPO show one ace/key card (‘PI’). At matchpoints especially, you might hile they may sound With one ace/key card you pass, decide to go for the top in 4NT (by like the names of some which is what the ‘PI’ part refers your side) doubled or 5 (by them) Wof the Seven Dwarves, to. To show more aces, bid the next doubled. DOPI, ROPI and DEPO are actually suit available. 5, therefore, would What if their suit is higher than conventional treatments designed to show two aces if playing regular yours? Say the auction is this, with combat interference with Blackwood Blackwood or two aces without the your side vulnerable: sequences. Q if you’re playing RKCB. You LHO Partner RHO DOPI and ROPI are better when In this example, both sides are 1 2 4NT 5 the opponents’ suit is lower-ranking vulnerable: ? than yours, while DEPO is better You LHO Partner RHO Since their suit is higher-ranking, when their suit is higher-ranking. 1 3 4NT Dbl DEPO is better. Double shows an Some examples will help. Say the ? even number of aces (‘DE’), pass auction goes like this, with your This is similar to the first auction, shows an odd number (‘PO’). If you side vulnerable: but here right-hand opponent didn’t play DEPO, you would either You LHO Partner RHO doubles 4NT instead of bidding 5. be forced to guess whether to bid (1) (2) 1 3 4NT 5 Some pairs play this way to tell a slam which might not make or to ? their partners they want to sacrifice double them when slam is cold. By (1) Preemptive. or that they want partner to lead doubling or passing, you get to stay (2) Blackwood or Roman Key Card his suit (clubs) without actually on the five level, tell your partner Blackwood. bidding it — usually because they’re how many aces you have and The opponents are being pests, vulnerable and they’re scared of preserve the option of either bidding sacrificing in clubs or just trying being doubled. a slam or smacking the opponents. to screw up your auction. How do Since you might just ignore Although the opportunity to use you combat this? Since their suit this double and give the regular these treatments is rare, checking (clubs) is lower-ranking than your Blackwood response, it doesn’t cost these boxes on your convention suit (spades), DOPI is in effect. This them anything to play this way. You card may dissuade your opponents means you double with zero aces can try to stick it to them, however, from interfering in your ace-asking (playing regular Blackwood) or zero by using ROPI. Redouble shows auctions. key cards (playing RKCB) — that’s zero aces (‘RO’); if partner decides what the ‘DO’ part of DOPI means. not to bid a slam after finding What if we play 1430? Alertable? Some pairs prefer a variation of Roman Key Card Blackwood Do not Alert DOPI, ROPI or DEPO calls during the auction. In fact, in which the 5 response shows most conventional calls in an ace-asking sequence are not Alertable. one or four key cards and the 5 The reason is that it can pass unauthorized information to the Alerting response shows zero or three. Pairs side, “waking up” a player who has forgotten that they have agreed who play this way may prefer to to play DOPI, ROPI or DEPO. play DIPO (double with one ace, After the auction is over, you should explain the meanings of your pass with zero) and RIPO instead calls to the opponents before the opening lead is made IF (big if!) your of DOPI and ROPI in order to keep side declares just as you would for any ace-asking sequence. their responses consistent.
44 Bridge Bulletin August 2005 45 PLAY BRIDGE West East A 7 6 5 2 K Q 8 4 9 10 7 2 K J 2 A Q 3 K Q 7 3 A 10 2
West East PLAY BRIDGE PLAY 1 2NT (1) 3 (2) 6 (!) Pass (1) Jacoby 2NT, game-forcing major-suit raise. (2) Heart shortness. Jacoby 2NT East’s final bid is not very scientific — a grand slam might be ne of Oswald Jacoby’s best Opener’s 3 rebid shows a missed if opener had a heart void gifts to bridge was the idea singleton or void in clubs. This may instead of a singleton, or 6 might Oof using 2NT as a conven- help responder visualize a possible be too much if opener has a single- tional forcing raise in response to a slam. ton heart honor such as the king one-of-a-major opening bid. Using • A four-level response in a new — but it will be on target much of Jacoby 2NT works like this: suit shows a good-quality five-card the time. When opener reveals the Opener Responder suit. If, for example, opener held heart shortness, responder knows 1 or 1 2NT A Q 10 5 3 6 K Q J 7 4 Q 8, that opener’s values will be in useful Responder’s 2NT bid shows a the auction would be 1–2NT; 4. places, so the slam should have a game-forcing hand with four-card Yes, you do have a singleton heart good play. (or longer) support in the major. and you could rebid 3 to show Important points to remember Why is it advantageous to use this it, but telling partner about the nice The Jacoby 2NT response is method? Consider all of the major- diamonds is more important, so 4 game forcing and promises four- suit raises available in standard is the better rebid. card support. With only three-card methods. This table provides an • Jumping to four of the agreed support, responder makes another outline: major shows a minimum opening call first and then raises partner’s major at the his next turn. For Opener Responder Meaning example, holding 1 2 Single raise: typically three-card support and 6–9 HCP K 6 4 A 3 K Q 10 7 3 Q 10 6, 1 3 Limit (invitational) raise: four-card support and 10–12 HCP respond 2 if partner opens 1. 1 4 Preemptive raise: weak with five-card support Don’t use Jacoby 2NT, since partner Note that similar meanings apply after a 1 opening and raise. will think you have four spades. This can be significant, so be sure Looking at this table, it’s clear that bid without shortness or slam inter- you paint an accurate picture of something is missing — the game- est. In the auction 1–2NT; 4, your support length. forcing raise. Jacoby 2NT takes care opener might have something like Also, many players prefer to use of this problem and does it at a low- 7 4 A Q J 6 2 K 9 5 K 9 2. Jacoby 2NT with hands that do not enough level to allow the partnership • A 3NT rebid shows a sound have shortness (singletons or voids). to exchange further information in opening (14 or 15 HCP) with- This helps opener evaluate his hand case slam is in the picture. out shortness. Note that some better. Not every partnership has How opener proceeds after a matchpoint players consider this this agreement, so it’s important to Jacoby 2NT response passable. discuss this point with your partner. After the 2NT response, opener • Rebidding three of the major Variations may now continue describing his shows slam interest and typically The above description of Jacoby hand using the following set of con- denies shortness. With a hand 2NT is one that many partnerships ventional responses: such as employ, but you should be aware • A three-level rebid in a new suit A 2 A K Q 6 5 3 J 5 A 8 3, that there are many other variations shows a singleton or void in that open 1. After a Jacoby 2NT re- on the market. This description suit. sponse, rebid 3 to show a strong should be taken as a starting point For example: hand without shortness. for new partnerships. The Official Opener Responder This action usually requires a good Encyclopedia of Bridge has some 1 2NT 16 or more high-card points (HCP). good suggestions for alternative 3 Example auction: structures. 44 The Bridge Bulletin January 2005 45 Jacoby transfers acoby transfers are a very popu- lar treatment, and with good Jreason. They’re easy to play, and they help describe common types of PLAY BRIDGE PLAY hand patterns in response to a 1NT opening. For the purposes of this article, we will assume that 1NT is strong (15 to 17 high-card points), but Jacoby transfers may be used with other notrump ranges as well. After a 1NT opening, responder may use a Jacoby transfer to de- scribe a hand with a five-card or this table provides a general guide- K Q 6 5 3 5 A J 7 2 Q 9 4. longer major. The method is simple: line: You have 12 points, and after part- ner’s 1NT open- responder bids the suit one rank be- Responder’s HCPs Goal Recommended action ing you want low the actual major suit he holds. 0–7 Partscore only Transfer then Pass to be in game. Opener then accepts this “transfer” 8–9 Invite game Transfer then bid 2NT (with a five- by bidding the next higher suit at card major) or three of the major But which her turn. For example: (with a six-card suit) one? Start by 10 or more Force to game Transfer then bid a new suit transferring to Opener Responder (forcing) or 3NT (with a five-card spades. After (1) 1NT 2 major) or four of the major (with partner accepts, (2) a six-card suit) 2 bid 3. The (1) “I have at least five hearts. Here are some examples: bid of new suit is forcing to game Please bid 2 for now and I’ll tell Partner opens 1NT and you hold after a transfer, and it also shows an you more on my next turn.” Q J 9 7 6 Q 10 2 6 5 4 7 4. unbalanced hand. This allows opener (2) “Okay.” You have 5 HCP and partner has to return to spades with a fit (three or at most 17. This is only 22 total, or more), or bid 3NT with values in Opener Responder not enough for game. So you should the unbid suits (clubs and hearts) or 1NT 2 (1) start by transferring to your five- even bid 5 with a fit in that suit. 2 (2) card spade suit by bidding 2. Holding (1) “I have at least five spades. After partner accepts the transfer, A 10 A Q 10 5 3 K 5 2 9 8 6, Please bid 2.” you pass. you have plenty of strength (13 (2) “I hear and obey.” If your hand is HCP) to be in game, so the only What’s the point of doing this? A 8 4 K J 9 8 2 7 2 J 9 3 question is this: 3NT or 4? Let First, the strong hand becomes the situation is different. You have 9 partner decide. Here’s how. Begin declarer. The opening lead comes HCP, enough to invite game. Begin with a transfer of 2, and after into her hand. Without transfers, the with a transfer to hearts by bid- partner accepts with 2, jump to strong hand could become dummy, ding 2, and bid 2NT after partner 3NT. This tells partner to choose allowing the defenders to see where accepts. This tells partner you have between the notrump game and the most of your side’s assets are exactly five hearts, a balanced hand heart game. Opener will usually located. Second, the transfer gives and invitational values. prefer 3NT with only a doubleton responder another chance to speak. Opener then has these options: heart, but will usually bid 4 with After opener accepts the transfer, re- pass to show a minimum 1NT hand three or more hearts. sponder may then pass, invite game, (15 HCP) and only two hearts; bid show another suit or jump to game. 3 to show a minimum and three The transfer provides an extra “step” or more hearts; bid 3NT to show a What’s in a name? in the auction. maximum with only two hearts; bid The Jacoby transfer was How does responder know which 4 to show a maximum with three or more hearts. developed by the great of these actions to take? It depends Oswald Jacoby, whose on the strength and shape of re- Since both hands are so well-de- sponder’s hand. Keeping in mind fined, the partnership usually arrives profile appears on page 43. that game-level contracts generally in the right contract. require a combined total of 25 HCP, Try this: 44 The Bridge Bulletin PLAY BRIDGE This tells partner you have five spades and a five-card minor. What if partner doesn’t have a fit for spades and wants to know what your minor is? He bids 2NT (con- ventional) to say, “Bid your minor.” You can then bid 3.
PLAY BRIDGE PLAY Important point: Don’t tell your story twice Your RHO opens 1 and you hold K Q 6 4 3 J 10 7 6 4 A 4 8. You bid 2 (Michaels) and LHO passes. Partner bids 2 and RHO bids 3. What now? When you bid 2, you told part- ner that your hand was 5–5 in the Michaels Cuebid majors and that you had a limited hand (6 to 11 points) or a very good hand (16-plus points). Since you he Michaels cuebid — brain- RHO You LHO Partner have the weaker range, and partner child of the late Mike Mi- 1 2 has already chosen the suit and level Tchaels — allows a player to show a major two-suiter. Put another he prefers, you should pass. Part- describe a two-suited hand in one way, a direct cuebid of an oppo- ner already knows what you have bid in competitive auctions. It is nent’s opening bid of one-of-a-minor — don’t compete to 3! Partner typically reserved for hands with a shows the majors, 5–5 or longer. might have been forced to bid 2 5–5 (or longer) pattern. An important question, however, with a hand such as When a player bids a suit which is how strong a hand does the 10 7 8 6 Q 8 7 6 K 10 9 3 2. has originally been called by the Michaels cuebid promise? This is He won’t like your 3 bid (and opponents, that player has made a a matter of partnership style, but you won’t like the result). cuebid. A Michaels cuebid is almost many expert partnerships prefer that Let’s change your hand to this: always used in the direct position, Michaels be used to show either a A K Q 4 3 A K J 6 2 6 J 7. i.e., immediately after an opponent weak hand (say, 6 to 11 points) or After a 1 opening by RHO, you has made her bid. For example if a strong hand (a good 16 or more bid 2. LHO passes and partner your right-hand opponent opened high-card points). Hands with inter- bids 2. RHO bids 3. Should 1 and you bid 2, your 2 call mediate strength should simply over- you bid again? Yes. This time you would be a cuebid. Further, if you call at the one level, with the hope have a very good hand and could and your partner agree to play Mi- that the second suit can be shown make game if partner has as little chaels cuebids, your 2 call would later in the auction. Why do this? as Q–x–x in hearts. Many players have a specific meaning. It’s to give partner some indication would simply jump to 4. Remem- Major two-suiters of our strength and involve him in ber, however, that you should only Let’s say you hold a hand with the decision process as to how high make another bid if your hand has two five-card majors such as we compete. extra values or is very unusual. For A K Q 4 3 A K J 6 2 6 J 7 Major-minor two-suiters example, holding or Michaels can also be used to show K J 8 7 4 3 A Q 10 9 5 2 — 8, K Q 6 4 3 J 10 7 6 4 A 4 8. certain major-minor two-suiters after this hand could easily produce a If your RHO opens 1, the an enemy 1 or 1 opening. The major-suit game opposite mild sup- Michaels cuebid allows you to auctions port from partner. After this auction describe these hands nicely. Bid RHO You LHO Partner RHO You LHO Partner 2 with either to tell your partner 1 2 1 2 Pass 2 you have a major two-suiter. If your and 3 ? opponent had opened 1 instead, RHO You LHO Partner bid 4. With this 6–6 freak, high- you would have bid 2 to give the 1 2 card points are irrelevant. Just bid same message. show five or more cards in the other the game. The opponents may well Playing Michaels cuebids, the auctions major and an unspecified five-card bid more, but the point is that you RHO You LHO Partner minor. The strength requirements are should bid again after the Michaels 1 2 the same as for minor-suit cuebids. cuebid when your distribution is and After a 1 opening, bid 2 with wild or when you have a very A Q 7 6 5 8 K J 10 7 3 10 4. strong hand.
44 The Bridge Bulletin February 2005 45 strength inference involved. Whereas a two-level negative double could show as few as 8 HCP as described above, a direct two-level bid such as your 2 shows at least the same number of number of points
PLAY BRIDGE PLAY required for a two-over-one response in “standard” bidding — 10 HCP. (Note that some players would treat 2 as a game force, so their two- level bids would promise even more — an opening hand.) An easy way to remember this is to consider what you need to bid 2 if North had Negative double tive double promise? It depends. not interfered. Most systems require ne of the most commonly The suggested minimum strength a minimum of 10 points to make a used treatments in modern for a negative double that would new-suit two-level response. Obidding is the negative force partner to bid at the one level This is a big help to opener, be- double. The negative double is an is typically 6 points. In the second cause it immediately tells him some- extremely broad topic, far beyond auction, East could double on as thing about your strength and heart the scope of a single article to de- little as: length. For example, say you held: scribe fully, but following are some K J 7 5 10 3 9 8 4 Q 9 7 2. K 7 A 9 4 K Q J 8 2 10 8 2. important points. (With a good fit for partner’s first You open 1, LHO overcalls In its simplest form, the nega- suit, some players would do it on 1 and partner bids 2. What do tive double’s objective is to express even less.) we know about partner’s hand? She values and length in the unbid suits If the double would force partner has at least five hearts (a negative — particularly the unbid major(s) to bid at the two level (as in the double would have promised only — in a competitive auction. For first auction), 8 points is a good four) and at least 10 HCP, making example: minimum. To force partner to the the raise to 3 a standout. West North East South three level — in an auction such as: The negative double lets you 1 1 Dbl West North East South tackle problem hands such as this: Defining East’s double as penalty 1 2 Dbl K Q 10 9 6 5 J 5 Q 9 8 5 2. is impractical: a “business” double — East should have at least 10 Partner opens 1 and RHO over- of a one-level overcall occurs too high-card points. The higher you calls 2. You can’t bid 2 directly. rarely to worry about. It’s much force partner to bid, the more you That would show a good hand — at more common to have moderate should have. least 10 HCP. You can, however, values and a heart suit after the auc- As opener, partner’s negative make a negative double. If partner tion begins in this manner, so most double can help you choose your bids 2, you will bid 2. Partner players use the double to show a rebid. Say you hold: will know that you have a relatively hand such as: A 7 Q J 6 3 8 7 6 A Q 6 2. weak hand with a long spade suit, J 8 Q 9 7 4 Q 8 5 4 K 4 2 After opening 1, left-hand op- because you doubled first. or perhaps: ponent overcalls 1 and partner Special case Q 5 3 K J 8 7 4 9 6 Q 10 5 doubles (negative). This strongly In the auction: or even: suggests at least four hearts and West North East South A 3 A Q 8 5 K 5 2 J 7 6 3. appropriate values. If RHO passes, 1 1 Dbl The negative double is vital you have an easy 2 rebid. (Note East’s double should show both ma- because it alerts opener to the pos- that this does not promise extra val- jors. What happens, however, if East sibility of a heart fit. The double ues; you’re just “raising” partner’s is dealt a hand such as: can also be used, however, to show hearts.) A J 9 5 Q 8 Q 10 6 2 9 8 7? spades in an auction such as: Using the negative double, what In this case, East should bid 1. West North East South would this auction mean? Ordinarily, a direct bid shows a 1 1 Dbl Partner RHO You LHO five-card or longer suit, but in this Most players in North America 1 2 2 auction (a 1 opening and a 1 use this sequence to show exactly If you had doubled, the double overcall), a 1 or 1 response may four spades. With five or more would have shown exactly four be made on a four-card suit. The spades, East could simply bid 1. hearts. The 2 bid, therefore negative double should be reserved How much strength does a nega- shows five or more. There is also a for a hand with both majors.
44 Bridge Bulletin 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 Q J 10 3,
PLAY BRIDGE PLAY you may choose to rebid 2 to play. You know the opponents have nine or more spades (partner does not have four spades since he didn’t rebid 1) so 2NT may not be safe. Therefore, you can play 2 in a New Minor Forcing You should use new minor 5–2 fit. forcing, which in this case is 2. If you rebid at the three level, After opener rebids 1NT, however, it’s forcing. Suppose you responder often finds it useful How should partner respond? hold to make a low-level forcing bid. Partner’s first obligation is to A 2 A Q 8 6 4 K Q 5 3 K 2. Frequently this is done to see if support your major (spades in this Opener Responder opener has three-card support for case). His second obligation is to 1 1 responder’s suit. show the strength of his hand. This 1NT 2 Suppose as responder you hold is a scheme used by many: 2 ? Q 7 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 J 10. 2 = denies three spades or four In this case, you want to force to Consider your bid when the hearts, minimum game and also investigate slam. Bid auction proceeds as follows: 2 = shows four hearts, may be 3, natural. If you use new minor Opener Responder minimum or maximum forcing, then rebid at the three level, 1 1 2 = shows three-card spade it creates a force. 1NT ? support, minimum Playing standard, you would have 2NT = denies four hearts or three Holding both majors no good bid. You have the strength spades, maximum Sometimes you are interested in to rebid 2NT, but you would like 3 = denies four hearts or three both majors. Suppose you hold this to show your five-card heart suit. spades, maximum and shows five hand, Rebidding hearts, however, should diamonds A Q 6 4 3 K Q 8 6 3 7 K 2 show a six-card suit and a non- 3 = shows three-card spade and the bidding is: forcing hand. Therefore, you may support, maximum Opener Responder choose to raise 1NT to 2NT. The 1 1 problem with this bid is that if 1NT 2 opener has a minimum, he would Following up 2 ? have to pass and you may have What are the continuations by You should bid 3. Remember, a 5–3 heart fit. In fact, 2 may responder? If partner shows a if you rebid at the two level after be the best contract if partner is maximum, you are committed to partner shows a minimum, partner minimum. game. Remember you promise at can pass. You have to rebid at the The most popular method is least invitational values to use new three level to force. to use the unbid minor suit as minor forcing. responder’s forcing call, hence the If partner shows a minimum, any name new minor forcing. In the two-level bid by you can be passed. The devil is in the details example above, responder could If you held the first example hand The above is only a brief intro- bid 2. This promises at least shown above, duction to the topic. Here are some invitational values and is a one- Q 7 6 A J 10 6 3 K 7 5 J 10, other items you and your partner round force. the auction should be this: may wish to discuss. Opener Responder After forcing bids (by responder) 1 1 at the three level, what do follow- How does it work? 1NT 2 ups mean? Should new minor Suppose, you have: 2 2NT forcing apply after this auction? K Q 10 7 4 J 4 2 K 7 5 Q 10, Pass 1 1 and the auction is: You know partner has a minimum, 1NT ? Opener Responder no heart fit, so you would rebid What if one of the opponents 1 1 2NT and he can pass. But if instead, intervenes — does new minor 1NT ? you held, forcing still apply? r
44 Bridge Bulletin PLAY BRIDGE PLAY can’t raise you, at least he will have a better idea of what to do on defense. Beside guiding the opening lead, he is more likely to figure out your distribution if you overcall. Example #2 Overcalls — part 1 What about this hand: K Q 3 10 7 6 5 3 A 6 3 5 2 The term overcall refers to any J 7 5 K J 9 5 4 K J 4 3 7? Answer: You should pass. You bid by your side after an opponent Most players would overcall 1 have a bad suit and only 9 HCP. If has opened the bidding. Overcalls at the one level. With the 9, your you pass, perhaps partner can act occur frequently, making them an suit is strong enough. You have and then you’ll have a better idea important topic to discuss with your support for spades or diamonds if how to proceed. partners. Many new players have partner introduces either of those Example #3 misconceptions about overcalls, suits. If you defend, partner will be K Q 3 J 7 6 5 3 A 6 3 K 2 however. Following are some better placed. This is an example of Answer: This one is a toss-up. guidelines on how to approach this a suit that is safe to overcall at the Some players would overcall 1, topic. one level, but would be dangerous even with a bad suit. You have 12 Why overcall? to bid at the two level after, for HCP and a well-placed K. Purists Overcalling offers several example, a 1 bid by RHO. would pass, however, because of the advantages. Bidding your suit A myth suit quality. You and your partner interferes with the opponents’ Many players have the mistaken should decide which camp you are exchange of information. Often idea that an overcall always shows in. Are the advantages of getting it locates a fit and partner can less than an opening bid. These in the bidding worth the downside continue the obstruction. Even if same players thus double with an of bidding a bad suit? The most your suit doesn’t fit partner, he opening hand, even if they do not important thing is that the two of is now invited into the bidding have support for all three unbid you are on the same wavelength. to name his suit if he has an suits. Most good players do not Example #4 appropriate hand. Even if partner subscribe to this thinking, however, K Q 3 A K 7 6 5 A 6 3 4 2 can’t respond after you overcall, he and overcall with fairly good hands Answer: Bid 1. Yes, you have a has a better idea of what to lead if as well as those that are less than good hand. Yes, you have secondary your side defends. opening strength. support for spades and diamonds. Factors to consider Suppose you hold: If you double, however, and partner Some points to consider before A K J 6 3 K 2 K 10 3 5 3 bids 1, you will want to bid 2, making an overcall are your: (1) suit and hear your right-hand opponent and that shows a stronger hand than length, (2) suit strength, (3) general open 1. You should overcall 1. this one. Doubling and bidding your hand strength, (4) vulnerability and Yes, you have an opening hand, own suit should be reserved for a (5) level. but 1 does not deny that. If you powerhouse. An overcall at the one level is double and partner responds 1, Example #5 usually based on a five-card (or you will now bid 1 and that K 4 3 A 4 K Q J 9 6 7 4 2 longer) suit and doesn’t promise or shows a stronger hand. Doubling Answer: Bid 1 — this is a deny an opening hand in high-card and bidding your own suit typically classic overcall. Even though strength. After a 1 opening, most shows 18 or more HCP. you have 13 HCP, do not double. players would overcall 1 holding: Questions and answers Remember the myth discussed A Q 10 7 4 8 6 3 K 7 3 5 3. Suppose your right-hand opponent above. You have only two cards in You only have 9 HCP, but the suit opens 1 and you hold these the heart suit and a double promises is strong enough to qualify. hands. Would you overcall? better support than that. Your Suppose your suit is not as strong. Example #1 diamond suit is strong. Go ahead With Q 7 3 K Q 6 5 3 7 6 3 K 2 and bid it. J 7 6 5 4 8 6 A K 3 6 5 3, Answer: Bid 1. You have a Overcalling at the two level and most players would pass. Your suit fairly good five-card suit and a how to respond to overcalls will be is weak and you only have 8 HCP. smattering of values. If partner covered next month. Stay tuned. r
44 Bridge Bulletin The 24-part Bidding Toolkit series is available online at www.acbl.org/play/commonlyusedconventions.html.
limit-raise strength. If he has enough
PLAY BRIDGE PLAY to make game opposite this hand, he will bid again. Example #2: A Q 10 4 3 7 3 A K 4 K J 10. Rebid 4. Partner has a limit raise (or better) so you accept his Overcalls – part 2 invitation. Example #3: Example #3: Overcalls at the one-level were Suppose your hand is stronger: A Q 10 4 3 5 3 A 8 4 K 10 4 discussed last month. An overcall K 7 4 2 A K 4 A 4 J 4 3 2. interferes with your opponents’ Rebid 2. The message this sends bidding, invites partner into the West North East South to partner is that you do not have auction and helps your partner on 1 1 Pass ? enough to go directly to game as in defense. Again cuebid 2. This promises a example #2, but you do not have a limit raise, but may be better. weak overcall as in example #1. If Responding with support Example #4: Your partner overcalls and you partner has a minimum limit raise, he What if you have good support, but can sign off in 2 and you can pass. have at least three-card support — you are weak? You hold: how should you proceed? Raising If partner has more than invitational partner is the first priority. Here are K 10 4 2 4 2 10 4 Q 7 5 4 2. values, he can bid 4. Notice that you some guidelines: only have a three-card diamond suit. Bid 3. This is preemptive and This will often be the case. You have a 1. Make a simple raise with 6 to 10 weak. You have the requisite four support points. Support points known spade fit, so you are not trying trumps. Your hand is weak in terms to play diamonds. refer to high-card points plus of HCP (and defense), but you have points added for distribution. distributional values. The 3 bid Responses when you don’t 2. With11-plus support points, sends that message to partner, and have support cuebid the suit the opponent obstructs the opponents. Often you will not have support for opened. partner after he overcalls. If you have Rebidding after overcalling 3. With 4 to 6 support points and a stopper in the opponent’s suit, you After you overcall, partner should four or more trumps, make a can bid notrump with 7 to 10 (or 11) let you know if he has support. Your preemptive jump raise. HCP. If you have a good suit of your overcall may be based on a wide range Example #1: own, you can bid it. in terms of strength. After a cuebid, Suppose you hold: Here are two examples. In both therefore, you have to tell partner K 5 2 10 6 5 A 10 4 2 J 4 3 cases the auction has proceeded: how strong you are. If you are strong West North East South and it’s your turn to bid: enough to make game opposite a limit 1 1 Pass ? West North East South raise, you should bid it. If you have a Example #1: 1 1 Pass ? weak overcall (less than an opening You have support for partner, bid), you should repeat your suit. If J 3 K J 4 3 K 10 3 J 10 8 4. so bid 2. It’s true that you have you have a hand that is in between, Bid 1NT. You have enough strength diamonds stopped, but don’t bid 1NT. you should make a bid in a new suit, to act, and you have a stopper and a It’s more important to show partner one that may be only three cards long. balanced hand. your support. Here are some examples. In each Example #2: case, the bidding has proceeded: Example #2: 8 3 K Q 3 J 3 K Q 9 8 4 2. You hold: West North East South Bid 2. You have 11 HCP and a K 6 4 2 K 10 6 A 9 4 2 4 3, 1 1 Pass 2 Pass ? good suit. West North East South Example #1: In both examples, if you pass 1, 1 1 Pass ? you may miss game if partner has Bid 2. You have 10 HCP plus one A Q 10 4 3 4 3 K 8 4 10 5 3. a good overcall. If partner rebids point for your doubleton club. Your 11 Rebid 2. Your hand is too weak spades, you can pass. You have shown support points is a limit raise. to make game if partner has only your hand. ❏
44 Bridge Bulletin The 24-part Bidding Toolkit series is available online at www.acbl.org/play/commonlyusedconventions.html.
Puppet Stayman uppet Stayman is a specialized suit holding, opener rebids 3NT. (1) Puppet Stayman: do you have a version of regular Stayman The responses to 3 Puppet four- or five-card major? Pthat is popularly used in Stayman are Alertable. (2) I have at least one four-card major. response to a 2NT opening bid. (3) I have four hearts and four spades. Beginning an auction with 2NT After a 3 response Choose a major-suit game. has pluses and minuses. In the plus When opener rebids 3, saying (4) I have four spades. column, opener gets to convey that she has at least one four-card her strength (for the purpose of major, responder still isn’t sure which After a 3 or 3 response this column, we’ll define 2NT as major opener holds — or if opener When opener shows a five-card showing 20 to 21 high-card points) has both majors. If responder has major, responder can usually place and relative shape, which is, of only one four-card major, he tells the contract (unless he has slam course, balanced. On the minus opener about it by bidding the other ambitions). With a three-card side, 2NT is unwieldy because it major at the three level. So with four or longer fit for opener’s major, takes up a lot of bidding space. hearts, responder rebids 3; with responder will usually bid four of that Also, many of the hands that are four spades, responder rebids 3. major to end the auction. If responder candidates for 2NT openings will This seems backward. Why do this? doesn’t have a fit for that major, he contain a five-card major. If you If opener has a fit for responder’s rebids 3NT. open 2NT on a hand that has five major, it allows her to bid it at the There is a catch, however. As hearts or five spades, wouldn’t it be four level, ensuring that the strong responder, you have to get into the easy to miss a 5–3 major-suit fit? hand declares. For example: habit of asking about opener’s major- This is why many pairs use puppet suit holdings even when you have Opener Responder Stayman, a bidding tool designed to only three cards in hearts or spades 2NT 3 (1) diagnose such a fit. — remember that opener might have 3 (2) 3 (3) Here’s how it works: After a 2NT five. For example: 4 (4) Pass opening (the opponents are silent), Q 6 4 8 7 A 9 4 2 Q 5 3 2. a 3 response promises at least (1) Puppet Stayman: do you have a If partner opens 2NT it seems game-going values and asks opener four- or five-card major? automatic to bid 3NT, but playing if she has a four- or five-card major. (2) I have at least one four-card major. puppet Stayman you should bid 3 With five hearts, opener rebids 3. (3) I have four hearts. first. If opener shows a five-card With five spades, she rebids 3. (4) Me too. Let’s play 4 instead of spade suit (3), you’ll happily bid If opener has four hearts or four 3NT. 4. If not, you’ll sign off in 3NT. spades (or both), she rebids 3. Notice that the strong hand bid With no four- or five-card major- hearts first and will declare the contract. After a 3NT response What if opener’s major doesn’t fit 3NT will frequently end the responder’s? Opener rebids 3NT. auction. Responder will continue Did you know? Finally, what if responder has both only if he has unusual length in the majors. With hands that contain a 6–4 Playing puppet Stayman, four-card majors? Responder rebids 4 over 3 to command opener to pattern in the majors, for example, you can still play Jacoby choose. responder may start with 3 to find and Texas transfers over out if opener has a major-suit fit. Opener Responder When opener says no, responder may a 2NT opening. The (1) 2NT 3 then transfer into the six-card major treatments are compatible. (2) (3) 3 4 at the four level. This one is easy to (4) 4 Pass forget, so be sure to discuss it! West North East South Partner You 1 Dbl 2 ? Answer: This one is easy. Make a responsive double. You have too many points to pass, and your support for both majors should PLAY BRIDGE PLAY convince you to act. You don’t care which suit partner bids and you can show your hand in one call. Example #2 K 5 Q J 8 6 3 8 3 10 3 and the action is the same: West North East South Responsive doubles Consider this example: Partner You Suppose you hold this hand: West North East South 1 Dbl 2 ? Q 10 6 3 2 K Q 10 7 4 6 4 6 Partner You Answer: Bid 2. Do not make a and it is your bid in the following 1 Dbl 2 ? responsive double. That will mislead auction: This is a classic auction for a partner. Double says you have West North East South responsive double. Normally you support for both majors. Suppose Partner You would have at least 4–4 in the you double and the opening bidder 1 1 2 ? majors and a minimum of 6 or 7 rebids 3. Partner may bid 3, You and partner may very well high-card points. expecting you to have more length have a fit in one of your majors, but Contrast the above with this than a doubleton. you are not strong enough to bid example: Example #3 2 or 2 (and bidding either one West North East South J 8 6 3 K J 4 3 8 3 Q 10 3 would be a complete guess). Raising Partner You and the auction is: partner with a weak doubleton is not 1 Dbl 1 ? West North East South appealing. In other words, you’d like A double would not be responsive Partner You to act, but have no convenient bid. since the same suit was not bid and 1 Dbl 3 ? Fortunately, there is a tool you can raised. In this case, a double would Answer: This hand is the same add to your toolkit that helps. promise spades, either five of them as example #1 above, but in this What and why or a good four-card suit. If you hold case you have to pass. You have the A responsive double is a (takeout) hearts and diamonds and enough proper distribution for a responsive double by responder after the HCP to act, you can simply bid 2 double, but your hand is too weak opponents have bid and immediately (and bid diamonds the next time if to compete at the three level. If raised a suit and partner has acted you choose to). you double and partner has enough either by overcalling or doubling. Some partnerships play responsive strength for you to make a three- When the opponents have bid and doubles through whatever level level contract, he may very well bid raised a suit, it is more likely that they play negative doubles. If that game, perhaps down one. Pass and the double would be useful as level is 3, then they also play hope partner can double a second takeout rather than as penalty. For responsive doubles through 3. time. partnerships used to playing negative This consistency makes it easier to Example #4 doubles, the responsive double remember. Q 4 8 K Q 7 4 3 A J 8 5 3 convention is not much different. The strength you need to respond and the auction is: It is simple and effective, and the depends on the level of the raise. If West North East South chances to use it occur frequently. the suit bid and raised is to the two Partner You It is popular among tournament level, you can make a responsive 2 2 3 ? players. double with 6 to 8 HCP. If the suit Answer: Double. This hand When and how bid and raised is to the three level, shows why the responsive double Some general guidelines are you should have at least 9 HCP. convention was invented. You want needed. How high do you play Double trouble, some examples to compete, but are not sure which responsive doubles? In what Assume you’ve agreed to play suit to bid. If partner doesn’t have situations do they apply? What responsive doubles through 3. support for either of your suits, you strength do you need? What would you do with each of can stand for him to retreat to his Most partnerships play the these hands and the auction given? suit. Even though the opponents responsive double only after the Example #1 started with a weak two-bid, you same suit has been bid and raised. J 8 6 3 K J 4 3 8 3 Q 10 3 can still use the convention. r
44 Bridge Bulletin The 24-part Bidding Toolkit series is available online at www.acbl.org/play/commonlyusedconventions.html.
Roman Key Card Blackwood lackwood, the ace-asking cases where not only is the number idea. You should pass 5. convention, was developed of aces held by the partnership a What about situations where Bearly in the history of contract key to making a slam, but also the partner’s response is 5 or 5, but bridge as an aid to slam bidding. quality of the trumps. you still want to know about the Despite its frequent misuse, it Enter Roman Key Card Blackwood queen of the agreed suit? In RKCB, became a popular treatment because (RKCB). This approach is “Roman” the “asker” bids the cheapest suit of its inherent simplicity. A bid of because it’s a variation of an ace- after partner’s response to ask if he 4NT (in most constructive auctions) asking scheme developed by the holds the queen. Responder says “no” asks partner to reveal how many Italian Blue Team. The phrase “Key by bidding five of the agreed suit. aces he holds using the following set Card” refers to the way in which Opener Responder of responses: 5 shows zero or four this method improves on traditional 1 3 (1) aces, 5 shows one, 5 shows two Blackwood by counting the four 4NT (2) 5 (3) and 5 promises three. Easy. aces and the king of the agreed 5 (4) 5 (5) Even when used properly, trump suit as “key” cards — a total Pass however, there’s a problem that of five. Additionally, this method (1) Limit raise. Blackwood fails to address, namely, allows the partnership to check on (2) RKCB. the strength of the combined trump the queen of the agreed suit. (3) One or four key cards. Responder holding. Consider this situation: Playing RKCB, the responses to made only a limit raise, so it must be Partner You the key-card asking bid of 4NT are: one. A 7 4 K Q 5 zero or three key cards (4) “Do you have the Q?” J 8 6 3 A 7 4 2 5 one or four key cards (5) “No.” 10 A K 8 5 5 two or five key cards without Responder says “yes” by bidding A K J 6 2 Q 9 8 the queen six of the agreed suit. In the above Partner opens 1. You have an 5 two or five key cards with auction, therefore, responder could 18-count, but you decide to take it the queen reply to the queen-asking bid of 5 slowly by responding with a calm If the partnership is missing two with 6 if he held the Q. 1. Partner rebids 1. (or more!) key cards, slam should be If responder has the trump queen Your hand is improving in value avoided. If the partnership is missing and a side king, however, he can as the auction proceeds. If you are a key card and the queen of the show both. (This can sometimes help a Blackwood enthusiast, it wouldn’t agreed suit, slam is iffy the partnership bid a grand slam.) be unreasonable to bid 4NT at this unless the combined trump holding Opener Responder point. After partner’s 5 response is 10 cards or longer. 1 3 (two aces), it would likewise be On the example hand, therefore, 4NT (1) 5 (2) reasonable to bid 6. Your trump partner would respond to your 4NT 5 (3) 6 (4) holding, however, will be a disap- call with 5, showing two key 7 (5) Pass pointment to partner. Barring the cards, but without the Q. You (1) RKCB. unlikely occurrence of the doubleton would then know that your side is (2) One key card. K Q in a defender’s hand, declarer missing either (1) a black ace and (3) “Do you have the Q?” will lose two trump tricks. the Q or (2) the K and the Q. (4) “Yes, and I have the K, too.” This example is just one of many Either way, slam would be a bad (5) “Just what I needed!” PLAY BRIDGE PLAY
Smolen Many players use Jacoby transfers are the combined hands: This is where Smolen helps. You in response to an opening 1NT bid now jump to the three-level of your from partner. It allows responder to Q 8 shorter major. This Alertable call tells show a five-card or longer major, A 9 6 2 partner that you have four cards in while allowing the strong hand – the K 5 4 that major and five in the other. With 1NT opener – to declare, assuming A Q 10 7 the previous example hand, you’d the opponents are not in the auction. jump to 3. This jump after opener’s Allowing the strong hand to declare A K 6 5 3 2 rebid would tell partner that you is important. The 1NT bidder fre- K 8 7 4 have four hearts and five spades. With quently holds combinations of honors 8 7 3 three-card spade support, he would (called tenaces in bridge lingo) that 4 bid 3, and you could raise to 4 are worth more tricks if the defenders or cuebid if you were interested in lead into them than if the defenders If LHO leads the Q, you’re in big slam. Without a three-card spade fit, lead through them. For example, if trouble. The ace will be over the king, partner would simply sign off in 3NT. you hold the A Q, you’d like your and you’ll likely lose three diamond Either way, partner – the 1NT opener left-hand opponent to lead a heart for tricks and a trump trick for down one. – declares. you, but not your RHO. The problem is that partner’s K Example auctions: Game-forcing hands that are 5–4 was vulnerable to attack. If partner Opener Responder in the majors (five spades and four declared, however, he’d likely make 1NT 2 (1) hearts or vice versa), however, are the contract since the K would be 2 (2) 3 (3) difficult to describe in response to a protected. 4 (4) Pass strong (15–17 HCP) 1NT opening. Is there a way to avoid this Transfers are a problem in this problem? The Smolen convention, (1) Stayman: do you have a four-card situation because they risk making named for the late expert Mike major? responder – the weak hand – declarer. Smolen, helps address this situation. (2) No. Say you hold: It works like this: instead of using (3) Smolen: I have five hearts and transfers for hands that are 5-4 in the four spades. A K 6 5 3 K 8 7 4 8 7 3 4. majors, it uses Stayman (2). After (4) I have three hearts and prefer this Partner opens 1NT. You respond partner’s 1NT opening, you bid 2. to 3NT. 2, a Jacoby transfer to spades, and If partner pleasantly surprises you by partner dutifully bids 2. You have bidding a major, you’ll simply jump Opener Responder (1) enough strength to force to game, and to four of that major, and partner will 1NT 2 (2) (3) you have a four-card suit you haven’t declare. But what if partner doesn’t 2 3 (4) mentioned yet, so you bid it: 3. have a four-card major? He’ll respond 3NT Pass Partner raises you to 4. to your Stayman inquiry with 2. (1) Four-card major? This is a perfectly good auction, but Now what? Could you still have a (2) No. there is a risk. You are the declarer in 5–3 major-suit fit? Is there a way to (3) Five spades, four hearts. this case, not partner. Suppose these find out? (4) I don’t have a fit for spades. r
44 Bridge Bulletin PLAY BRIDGE
Splinter raises The splinter bid is a useful addition to any pairs’ bidding arsenal. It is a specialized type or cuebids, 6 is easy to reach and is a virtual lock, and 11 tricks are of raise that sometimes allows a almost certain to succeed. Notice possible if the club finesse works. partnership to bid a game or slam that the partnership has a combined Note that if splinters weren’t being that might otherwise be missed. total of only 28 points, far less than used on this deal, opener might have A splinter raise is an unusual the textbook 33 points suggested for rebid 3. Responder, with such a jump that shows four-card or bidding a small slam. weak hand, would certainly have longer support for the last bid suit, If responder had splintered in a passed, and the good game would game-going values and shortness different suit (hearts, for example) have been missed. (a singleton or void) in the suit opener should take a more Can you use splinters after a 1 in which the jump occurred. For pessimistic view of things and settle or a 1 opening? Yes, as long as example: for game only. you discuss this with partner. After Opener Responder How strong does responder a 1 opening, 3, 3 and 3 1 4 need to be to make a splinter bid? would all be splinter bids. If opener Responder shows at least Partnerships may, of course, define starts with 1, 3, 3 and 4 four hearts, opening values them as they please, but many would be splinters. (approximately; more on this later) players have found that restricting There are other applications and club shortness. responder to 13 to 15 points (which for splinters in different auctions. How can you tell which jumps are includes distribution) makes it easier Consider this: splinters? They’re usually defined as for opener to know what to do. With Opener Responder any new-suit response higher than a a weaker hand, other types of raises 1 1 jump raise. That means that after a are available to responder. The same 2 3 1 opening, 3, 4 and 4 are is true for stronger hands. Since the partnership has already all splinter raises, each showing a Opener may make a splinter bid agreed on hearts, should 3 be different singleton or void. After a as well. Here’s an example: a natural bid? Many partnerships 1 opening, 4, 4 and 4 are Opener Responder believe that it should not. Instead, all splinter bids. A J 6 5 K Q 7 4 3 they treat it as a splinter raise, Why are these bids useful? Let’s 9 8 7 6 showing game-forcing values and look at an example: K Q J 4 9 3 2 spade shortness. Opener Responder A Q 10 2 J 4 A K 6 5 4 Q 10 9 8 7 After 1 by opener, responder Remember, you must discuss this K Q 6 A 5 4 2 bids 1. Opener then jumps to 4, treatment with partner. It’s important 8 6 2 5 a splinter bid. What does it mean to specify the strength of splinter A 6 K Q J when opener uses this type of jump? raises as well as whether they After opener begins with 1, It shows a fit for responder’s suit (at can be used in other constructive responder bids 4. From opener’s least four cards), an excellent hand auctions such as the last example. point of view, this is good news. (remember, responder could have a She knows that her partner has at minimum hand, as in the example) Did you know? most one diamond, making it safe and shortness in the bid suit. ACBL Hall of Famer Dorothy to explore for slam. Why? Opener Responder will retreat to 4 after Truscott (formerly Hayden) is doesn’t have to worry about the the 4 splinter, but will be pleased credited with popularizing splinter three low diamonds in her hand. when he sees the dummy. With only raises in the early Sixties. Whether opener uses Blackwood 22 combined HCP, the spade game
April 2005 43 pass with a minimum or bid 3NT PLAY BRIDGE with a maximum. If you play Stayman, the meaning of this auction is important to know: Opener Responder 1NT 2 2 3NT ? Responder is promising game-go- ing values since he jumped to 3NT after the 2 rebid. But what else is he showing? Note that responder didn’t jump to 3NT on his first turn Stayman — he wanted to know if opener held a four-card major. After opener tayman is the granddaddy of responder adds his points to those showed hearts, however, responder bridge conventions. It is argu- of opener’s to determine how high bid 3NT. By inference, this means Sably the most popular of any the partnership should be. This table that responder must have four conventional treatment because it is shows the general guideline when spades. If opener also holds four simple, effective and flexible enough responder holds a four-card major: spades, he may correct 3NT to 4 to be used with just about any sys- to play in the Responder’s HCPs Goal Recommended action tem you care to play. 0–7 Partscore only Pass 4–4 major-suit fit. Stayman is used by responder to 8–9 Invite game Stayman followed by 2NT or raising There is one discover a possible major-suit fit partner’s major to the three level special case with a fit after an opening bid of 1NT. This is 10 or more Force to game Stayman followed by 3NT or raising where you may important because an eight-card (or partner’s major to game with use Stayman with longer) trump fit is usually safer and a fit a poor hand. It will produce more tricks than the happens when play in notrump. So in this auction Stayman is typically used with you have a three-suited hand that is Opener Responder hands that have invitational or better very short in clubs, such as 1NT 2 strength. If you and your partner 8 7 5 3 Q 8 4 3 J 9 8 2 5. responder’s 2 is Stayman, a con- play strong notrumps (15 to 17 HCP Partner will probably not be happy ventional inquiry that says noth- or 16 to 18), responder should have playing in 1NT. The club short- ing about clubs. It simply asks the at least 8 HCP to use Stayman (with ness is worrisome. So when partner opener to reveal whether he holds a one exception we’ll discuss at the opens 1NT, you respond 2, Stay- four-card major. If he does, he bids end). This deal shows why this is man. Your plan is to pass whatever it. For example: recommended: partner bids. If he shows a four-card Opener Responder Opener Responder major, great! Even if he denies a 1NT 2 (1) A J 6 4 Q 2 four-card major with 2, how- 2 (2) K Q 3 J 10 5 4 ever, you’ll still pass and hope that (1) “Do you have a four-card major?” A 10 4 K Q 9 7 partner has three or more diamonds. (2) “Yes, I have four hearts.” Q 10 8 J 9 7 That contract will usually fare better If opener doesn’t have a four-card Opener begins with 1NT. Re- than 1NT. major, he bids 2. sponder wants to know if opener Opener Responder has four hearts, so he bids 2, (1) Did you know? 1NT 2 Stayman. Opener replies 2 to The Stayman convention was (2) 2 show four spades. Since this pair not invented by Sam Stayman! (1) “Do you have a four-card major?” has agreed that opener would show It was actually invented in the (2) “No.” hearts first if he had them, respond- U.S. by George Rapée. Stayman, What happens when opener has er knows that opener doesn’t have however, published an article both four-card majors? Most pairs four hearts. about the 2 bid in June of agree to bid the lower-ranking suit, Now what? Since no major-suit 1945 in The Bridge World, and hearts, first. fit exists, and since both hands are his name became associated with It’s that easy! There are some ca- balanced, it’s probably best to play the convention. veats, however. After a strong 1NT in notrump. Responder, with 9 HCP, In Britain, J.C.H. Marx de- opening, responder must gauge the may now bid 2NT which sends this vised a similar 2 convention in combined assets of the partnership. message: “Partner, I held four cards 1939, but publication of his idea Since game-level contracts gener- in the other major, and I have invi- was delayed by World War II. ally require a minimum of 25 HCPs, tational strength.” Opener may now
October 2005 43 probably have game. You send this PLAY BRIDGE PLAY message to partner with a cuebid. Suppose you have: A 6 Q J 5 3 K Q 7 4 J 10 5 3. Should you play game in 3NT or 4? If partner has a four-card heart suit, you would want to play 4. Responding to a 2. Bid 1NT with a relatively If partner only has three-card heart balanced hand and 7–10 HCP. Here support, then you want to play 3NT. takeout double is an example: Since you are not sure, cuebid 2. The use of a low-level double is a K 10 3 Q 4 Q 10 4 3 J 7 5 4. If partner rebids 2, you can raise request to partner to bid an unbid Although 7–10 HCP is recom- to 4. If partner bids something suit. The most common instance is mended here, the exact strength is a else, you can bid 3NT. after a one-level bid by an oppo- matter of style, and expert opinions nent. The double normally indicates vary. The conservative view is to 6. Jump to the three-level with a a hand worth an opening bid with at use the bid for 7–10 or 8–10, but long suit with good playing strength, least three-card support for all unbid others recommend 6–9 or even but less than game values. You hold: suits. 5–10. As with many bidding situ- K J 10 8 7 4 9 5 4 Q 10 9 4. Knowing the proper responses ations, this is something you and Bid 3. Your hand has too much after partner doubles is crucial. You your partner should discuss. potential for a simple 1 bid, but should look first to play in one of doesn’t qualify for a 2 bid with the major suits. The second choice 3. Make a jump response in your only 6 HCP. Bidding one more than is notrump. If either of these is not suit with 9–11 HCP, or a good 8 a single jump shows you have a a good option, then you should play HCP and some distribution. Suppose long suit and some useful points. in a minor suit. you hold: Partner can evaluate his hand to Suppose the bidding is: K 10 3 Q J 7 4 3 10 4 3 A 3. decide whether to continue to 4. You should not bid 1 — you Here are some more examples. In West North East South are too strong. You should jump each case, suppose your LHO opens 1 Dbl Pass ? to 2, a bid that is invitational. 1 and partner doubles. Partner can pass if he has a Example #1: Partner is asking you to bid. How minimum takeout double. If he has 8 5 3 K Q 3 9 4 3 2 7 4 3? do you respond? 13 points and you have 10, that’s Answer: Bid 1. Yes, your suit is not enough for game. If he has weak, but you are forced to bid and 1. Make a minimum suit extra, he can bid again. it’s the only four-card suit you have. response with 0–8 high-card Example #2: points. Suppose you hold this hand 4. Bid 2NT with 11 to 12 HCP 8 4 Q 8 4 3 10 8 3 A K 4 3. and the bidding has proceeded as and at least one stopper in the Answer: Bid 2. It’s true your above (all the following examples opponent’s suit. With this hand: hearts are only four cards long and presume left-hand opponent A 3 J 5 3 K Q 10 4 J 10 7 4, not very strong, but bidding 1 opened 1 and partner doubled you should bid 2NT. The hand is does not show the strength of your and RHO passes): too strong for 1NT and you don’t hand. Partner usually has four-card K 10 4 3 Q 4 10 4 3 J 7 6 4 have a four-card or longer major. heart support, so jump to 2 and With this hand, you should Try to play notrump instead of hope for the best. respond 1. You are lucky to have a minor suit when you have a Example #3: a useful hand, but you are not hand this strong. 2NT shows your 10 7 K 8 3 K Q J 10 7 9 7 5. strong enough to do more than bid strength and approximate pattern Answer: Bid 2. You don’t have at the one level. Notice that you and allows partner to make a good a four-card major to bid. You don’t would also have to bid 1 with: decision. have a club stopper. That leaves 10 8 4 3 Q 4 10 4 3 J 7 6 4. bidding diamonds. Jumping to 2 Bidding 1 doesn’t promise 5. Cuebid the opponent’s suit with promises diamonds and 9–11 (or values since partner forced you to 12 or more HCP. If you and partner a good 8) points, which is a good bid. both have opening bid values, you description of your hand. r
44 Bridge Bulletin (1) Jacoby transfer. PLAY BRIDGE In both cases, the partnership gets to the same contract. In both cases, responder promises a six-card (or longer) spade suit. Does this mean that the Texas transfer is unneces- sary or redundant? No. These two auctions show different types of PLAY BRIDGE PLAY responding hands. In the first case, responder trans- ferred at the game level and passed after partner accepted the transfer. Responder wants to be in game, but has no slam interest. Responder says, “Partner, we belong in 4, but no higher.” (If responder had a really strong hand with spades such Texas Transfers as this A 7 K Q 10 9 5 4 9 8 4 2 6 A K J 5 4 3 2 A 7 K Q 2 9, any fans of Jacoby trans- Bid 4, a Texas transfer to 4, he could transfer and then use fers play Texas transfers after partner opens 1NT (strong, 15 Blackwood or make some other Mas well. The treatments are to 17 high-card points). (Note that slam try to let opener know about similar, but there are some impor- opener must Announce “transfer” the strength of the hand.) tant differences. to the opponents when responder In the second auction, however, After a 1NT opening by partner, employs this method.) responder forced to game in a the Texas transfer may be used to A Q 10 7 6 5 8 K 9 3 J 5 2 two-step fashion, using the Jacoby describe a hand with a six-card or Bid 4, a transfer to 4, after transfer instead of the Texas transfer. longer major suit with appropriate partner’s 1NT opening. Why? values. When playing a suit con- A K J 5 4 3 2 A 7 K Q 2 9 Experienced players typically use tract, it’s desirable for the partner- Bid 4, a transfer to 4, after this sequence to show a hand with ship to have a trump fit of at least partner’s 1NT opening. This hand slam interest, but not enough to eight cards. When partner opens is so strong that you will continue insist on slam by itself. Something 1NT, she promises at least two toward slam after partner accepts like this: cards in each suit, so when you the transfer. K Q 8 7 4 2 K Q A J 5 10 6 have six cards in a major suit, you Be careful not to use the Texas If partner has a maximum for her usually know right away which suit transfer on a hand that is too weak. 1NT opening, slam will have a rea- you want to be the trump suit. For example, you hold sonable play. With a minimum, it’s Playing Texas transfers, responder J 10 9 6 5 3 Q 6 5 7 4 10 5. probably better to stay in 4. Bid- jumps to 4 or 4 asking opener Using the Texas transfer after ding the hand in this manner allows to bid the next higher suit (4 or partner’s 1NT opening would be far opener to contribute her opinion as 4, respectively). This allows the too aggressive. This hand doesn’t to whether the partnership belongs stronger hand to become declarer. have enough strength to force the in game only or slam. Two heads For example: partnership to game. It would be are better than one. Opener Responder better to simply use the Jacoby 1NT 4 (1) transfer (2), asking partner to bid 4 (2) 2, which you will pass. Don’t forget! If you use Texas (1) I have at least six hearts. Please Speaking of Jacoby transfers, a transfers, the sequence 1NT–4 bid 4. question that sometimes comes up is a transfer to spades, not to (2) Okay. is this: why play both Jacoby and play. Forgetting agreements is or Texas transfers? common when learning new Opener Responder Consider these two auctions: conventions, especially if the 1NT 4 (1) Opener Responder conventional bid sounds natural, 4 (2) 1NT 4 (1) as in the case of 1NT–4. If (1) I have long spades. Please bid 4 Pass partner “forgets” that your 4 4. (1) Texas transfer. bid is a transfer, don’t worry (2) I’ll be declarer. and — it’s happened to plenty of What kinds of hands are appropri- Opener Responder others before and will happen to ate for the use of the Texas trans- 1NT 2 (1) plenty of others after! fer? Some examples: 2 4 44 The Bridge Bulletin December 2004 45 The 24-part Bidding Toolkit series is available online at www.acbl.org/play/commonlyusedconventions.html. PLAY BRIDGE PLAY
Unusual vs. unusual When your partner opens one of a A single raise in opener’s suit is Understanding through examples major and your right-hand opponent equivalent to a normal single raise. Here are some sample hands. In jumps to 2NT, showing the minors, Responder needs no extra high-card each case, suppose your partner you will often face a tough competi- values, but he should be careful of opens 1 and your RHO overcalls tive bidding problem. You need to raising with three low trumps; the 2NT for the minors. define your hand before your second 2NT overcall increases the chances What do you call holding: opponent continues the preemption. that trumps will split badly for your Q 7 4 3 A 10 7 3 J 4 2 9 6? One defense against two-suited over- side. calls is called unusual vs. unusual. Responder should avoid doubling Answer: Bid 3. Yes, your hand is 2NT unless he seeks to penalize the weak and the J is probably worth- How does it work? opponents. Because of the danger of less. But you have four trumps and There are different variations — further preemption, if responder has your ace is in hearts, a likely second this is one of them. offensive features, he should begin suit for opener. Support partner be- 1. Bid 3 with a limit raise or better to describe his hand using one of the fore the opponents raise the level. in hearts. other calls. What do you bid holding: A Q 4 3 A 10 7 3 J 4 2 9 6? 2. Bid 3 with a limit raise or better When does it apply? in spades. These methods can be used any time Answer: Bid 3. This shows a 3. Raise partner’s major with 7–10 an opponent’s bid shows two known limit raise or better in spades. support points. suits. Suppose this is the auction: What do you bid holding: 4. Bid three of the other major with Partner RHO You A 3 K Q J 7 4 2 A 4 2 7 5? a hand similar to a good weak 1 2 ? Answer: Bid 3. This promises two-bid — this is natural and con- If the 2 is a Michaels cuebid, limit-raise values or better in hearts. structive but non-forcing. showing both majors, you can bid as What do you bid holding: 5. Double with a hand that is worth a described above. You would cuebid 10 3 K Q 10 7 4 2 8 4 2 K 5? redouble of a takeout double. This 2 to show a limit raise (or better) says that you can double at least Answer: Bid 3. You have a good in clubs and 2 to describe a hand six-card suit and the upper end of a one of their suits for penalty and with limit-raise values (or better) in promises another bid. weak-two bid. You have described diamonds. The lower cuebid shows your hand and partner can decide the lower minor suit and the higher What do these bids mean? how to proceed. cuebid shows the higher. A 2 bid What do you bid holding: When you show a limit raise for would be constructive, but less than partner, you should have at least a limit raise, and, therefore, non- 7 4 Q 4 2 A J 4 3 K J 7 4? three-card support. When you show forcing. Answer: Double. You have defense limit-raise values (or better) in the Now suppose the auction is: against both of their suits and are other major, you should have at least short in partner’s spade suit. You a five-card suit. Partner RHO You 1 2 ? intend to double the minor suit that There is an easy way to remember your LHO bids. which cuebid is for which major. and 2 shows spades and a minor. What do you bid holding: The lower cuebid is for the lower Since you can’t be sure which minor major (in this case, cuebid clubs for RHO has, you cannot use the unusual J 3 A 8 4 2 K 8 4 9 8 5 3? hearts) and the higher cuebid is for vs. unusual methods. A 3 or 3 Answer: Pass. You have a smatter- the higher major (cuebid diamonds bid, therefore, would be natural and ing of high-card points, but you have for spades). forcing. no bid that describes this hand. r
44 Bridge Bulletin Why is suit quality important? Suppose you hold J 9 6 4 3 2 8 3 K 2 Q J 3. in first seat and open 2. Let’s say the opponents bid to 4 and partner is on lead with the K 5. PLAY BRIDGE PLAY What do you think she will lead? What kind of a result do you expect? Your partner opens 2 and you hold: A 5 A K K Q 6 A K Q 7 5 3. Weak can be strong three honors. Is this an absolute You check on aces, find out you A master builder has many tools requirement or can you loosen up are missing one, so settle for 6. available in his toolkit. Some a little? This is a style issue about You might be disappointed when are for specialized situations and which you and your partner should the opponents cash the A and seldom needed. Other tools are agree. later you lose a heart trick because frequently used. A weak two-bid is Many good players would open partner’s hand was: an example of the second type. 2 with K J 2 J 9 6 4 3 2 10 5 4 8. A weak two-bid serves two 7 3 K J 10 7 6 4 K 10 3 9 8 The rest of the story important purposes. It can even vulnerable. Their reasoning What should the rest of the weak be constructive and it can be is that the rewards (getting in the two bidder’s hand look like? obstructive. By making a weak two- bidding and suggesting a lead) A common high-card point range bid, you are describing your hand outweigh the risks (misleading is 5 to 10, although similar ranges to help partner. This helps partner partner or being doubled and are acceptable as well. decide how high to bid and what penalized). It is okay to open 2 or 2 suit to compete in. It can also help Another borderline hand would be holding a side four-card suit, partner know what to lead if you 10 4 A J 10 8 6 4 K 10 3 9 8. provided that suit is a minor. Here defend. While it’s true you don’t have two is an example: A second purpose of a weak two of the top three honors, the 10 8 K J 10 7 4 3 7 3 Q J 7 5 10. is to interfere with the opponents’ give texture to the suit and thus Make the hand slightly different. bidding. Most pairs can bid to a add a measure of safety. Since you With reasonable contract if left to their hold three of the top five, many K J 10 7 4 3 Q J 7 5 7 3 10 own devices. But what if you bid partnerships would agree that 2 you should pass. Your side could in front of them? What if you not is acceptable with this holding. Your have game in 4, but by bidding only bid, but the bid is at the two partner may not agree and so you 2 you may have effectively level? This can present awkward should discuss it. The other cases preempted your own partner. problems, even for experts, which where you hold three of the top How can partner know? may leave your opponents guessing. five are suits headed by K–J–10 or Not vulnerable, you may open 2 Suit length and quality Q–J–10. with this, A typical weak two-bid features If not vulnerable or if in third 8 7 K Q 10 7 4 3 8 7 6 5 3. a six-card suit. The quality of seat, a weaker suit may qualify. This hand has 5 to 10 HCP and a the suit depends on position and What are some examples? good suit — a classic weak two. vulnerability. Suppose in first seat, not What about this hand? In first and second seat vulnerable, you hold 8 7 K Q 10 7 4 3 K J 6 5 3 vulnerable, it makes sense to play A J 7 6 3 2 4 2 K 10 8 7 4. This is also a hand you’d want to that the two-bid shows a good suit. Many pairs would open 2. open with a weak two. It has 5 to A Q 10 7 4 3 8 7 Q 10 3 4 2 Similarly, most partnerships would 10 HCP and a good suit. would be a classic example of a feel that a hand such as Notice the difference though. The weak 2 bid. A hand such as Q 5 3 5 K J 8 7 6 3 8 5 3 second hand has the K J instead 8 7 K Q 9 6 4 2 7 6 Q 10 2 would be a good weak 2 bid if of low cards and therefore is much is another example of a hand that not vulnerable. stronger. How is partner supposed would qualify as an opening two- In each of these examples, you to know on which end of the 5 to bid (2). hold two of the top four honors. The 10 HCP range your hand falls? Next These two have something players who open a weak two-bid month we’ll examine methods that in common: suit quality. Each with either of these feel that passing allow partner to inquire about the includes a suit with two of the top is too conservative. weak two-bidder’s hand.
44 Bridge Bulletin PLAY BRIDGE PLAY
Weak can be strong You show a feature when you have would qualify. A Q 10 7 4 3 more than a minimum but rebid would be a good suit. Q J 7 5 4 3 — part 2 your suit with a minimum. With would be a bad suit (in the context The weak two-bid is typically a the first hand above, in response to of a weak two-bid). You and your six-card suit in the 5–11 high-card 2NT you would bid 3, “I have a partner should discuss hands that point range. It has two purposes minimum.” fall in between and decide how — constructive and obstructive. With the second hand above, to answer in response to the 2NT By making a weak two-bid, you would bid 3 after the 2NT inquiry. you are describing your hand inquiry. This says you like your (constructive). This gives partner hand and you have a feature in 2NT: “Easy” Ogust information to help him decide diamonds. A feature is a high card, One problem with Ogust is that how high to bid and what suit to not shortness. sometimes it is hard to define what compete in. It can also help partner Here’s an example. You open 2 is a good suit or a good hand. know what to lead if you defend. with: Some hands fall in between. A third A second purpose of a weak two A Q J 7 4 3 8 7 6 3 K 5 3. method is simple and helps with this is to interfere with the opponents’ Your partner inquires with 2NT. issue — you respond by saying how bidding (obstructive). Because You should rebid 3. You have well you like your hand, on a scale you are making them come in at a the top of your bid and you have a of one to four, without reference to higher level, the weak two-bid can feature (the K) to show. suit quality. present awkward problems that may Now consider this hand: 3 = a minimum leave them guessing. Q J 7 4 3 2 8 7 6 3 K 5 3. 3 = more than a minimum Over the 2NT inquiry, you should 3 = your hand is a 3 on a How can partner know? rebid 3. Do not rebid 3. Yes, scale of 1 to 4 Not vulnerable, you may open 2 you have a feature, but to show 3 = maximum with this, it, you should have more than a 3NT = a solid suit 8 7 K Q 10 7 4 3 J 7 6 5 3. minimum. When you show a feature over This hand is in range (6 HCP) 3NT says you have a solid 2NT, as described above, you often with a good suit — a classic weak suit that you can run in 3NT. An make the defense easier. Easy two. example is: Ogust keeps the opponents in the What about this hand? 8 7 A K Q J 7 4 7 4 7 4 3. dark regarding where your side 8 7 K Q 10 7 4 3 K J 6 5 3 strength is. This is also a hand you’d want to 2NT: Ogust Here’s an example. You open 2 open with a weak two. It has 9 HCP After the 2NT bid, the weak two- with: and a good suit. bidder responds as follows: 8 7 K 6 K Q 10 7 4 3 J 10 8. Notice the difference though. The 3 = minimum strength, poor Over the 2NT ask, playing “Easy” second hand has the K J instead suit Ogust you can rebid 3. You are at of low cards and therefore is much 3 = minimum strength, good the top of your bid. If partner bids stronger. How is partner supposed to suit game, the opponents may make a know on which end of the 5 to 11 3 = maximum strength, poor favorable lead for your side, since HCP range your hand falls? There suit you didn’t tell them anything about are several methods that address this. 3 = maximum strength, good your hand other than the fact that suit you like it. 2NT: Show a feature 3NT = solid suit. There are other methods of re- Responder’s 2NT bid may be used What is defined as a good suit? sponding to weak two-bids, but these to ask opener about “side” features. Having two of the top three honors are three of the common ones. r
44 Bridge Bulletin