香港橋藝論壇

[Billy Szeto]

Practice hands with my students a couple of days ago. You are third seat and hold the following hand:

S 10xxx H A10xx D AJxxx C -----

The bidding goes:

1NT (15-17) - 2C ; 2H - ???

Actually partner holds:

S Ax H KQJx D KQxx C 10xx

6H is cold (even 7H with good breaks). How to discover such kind of "天仙配" hands?

[David CC Ng]

Methodology
After Stayman,
(1) Responder jump bid of 3 over 2 shows unknown singleton/void with 4+ FIT.
Opener relays with 3NT and Responder can show his shortness
4/4/4 = S/V in // respectively (or in other order)

(2) Responder bids another Major (3) over 2 shows unknown singleton/void with 4+ FIT.
Opener relays with 3 and Responder can show his shortness
3NT/4/4 = S/V in // respectively (or in other order)

The rationale is that after locating FIT in one Major, it is not necessary to inform Opener another Major. As a result, the Other Major (OM) can be deployed to show shortness.

(Ref: Aces Scientific by Bobby Goldman)

Worth the Try?
Responder's hand: 9 HCP with 5-card suit and a void, 4 Controls
The weapon is in the arsenal. Nevertheless, does the Responder's hand strong enough to try for slam?

N.B. Should not bid 7 as the grand slam is against the odds.

David CC Ng

[Alan Sze]

[David CC Ng]

Alan Sze also introduces his method of showing the shortage. He is in the opinion that the Responder's hand being strong enough to kick-off the splintering sequence, whatever it is.

My view: Exchange the Queen for the Jack, I may initiate the splintering sequence. I am a little bid 'chicken' for the hand quoted by Billy Szeto. What I worry being that Partner may overbid his hand once he finds little wastage in (a suitable hand but not such a perfect hand)

David CC Ng

[Tiffany Tse]

[David CC Ng]

1NT-2 (1)
2 -4

1NT-2 (2)
2 -4

In both sequences (1) & (2), 4 by Responder is Gerber or RKC (select your own favor version).

1NT-2 (3)
2 -4NT

1NT-2 (4)
2 -4NT

In both sequences (3) & (4), 4NT by Responder is Quantitative Raise to 6NT; indicating 4-card in another Major. The HCP strength held by the Responder is equivalent to that of 1NT-4NT.

David CC Ng

[Jacky Ip]

In Hardy 2/1

1N-2
2M-

4=RKC
4=Balance invite to slam with 4-card fit
4N = invite 6N with 4-card in other Major
3oM=Splinter somewhere

and now, I don't play stayman, so cannot answer this question

[William Yip]

4C for spinter with heart fit

[Alan Sze]