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What is a sensible bidding sequence with these hands?
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A K 7
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Q 9 8 7 x x
A Q x |
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Q
J x x
K J x x
K 8 x x |
First off, let's agree that we are normally looking for game in a major or 3
Notrump. If we must resort to a 5 minor game contract, figure on 29
distributional points. So
when responder doesn't have a 4 card major, we should heed the warning
flag. And if responder has a very short major, making a 3 Notrump game
looks even more threatening from responder’s perspective. Let's see how
this applies to the above bidding sequence.
Opener has 15 HCP but it's difficult to count distributional points,
normally 2 more points for a 6 card suit. Do you see why? Notice that
opener's controls are in the black suits; when promoting a suit, we can
readily see the problem trying to run:
Q 9 8 7 x
x x
The opponents’ might run a pile of side-suit tricks before you and partner
can promote the minor suit. Now let’s look at responder's holdings?
Looks like 7 HCP is working, particularly the nice Diamond K J honor
sequence.
But the Heart J x x and singleton Spade Q initially have
little value since opener isn't showing a long major. If you are using
straight forward bidding, then the auction might go:
1D - 2D;
2S - 3D;
4D - 5D
While opener’s 2S rebid generally is shape showing, with this
particular hand 2S works well, showing extra values, controls in
Spades, and interest in a 3 Notrump game if partner has a Heart stopper.
Lacking the Heart stopper, responder can show the apparent minor suit
support, bidding 4D and opener can make the final call.
A more advanced treatment could be used by players that use
Inverted Minors and it's sister
convention - "Criss-Cross".
Those players can use Criss-Cross here:
1D - 3C; 3C =
Diamond support w/6-9 points
3D – 4D;
5D
Here, opener realizes that responder is long in Diamonds, game is not
attainable without Heart controls (responder bypassed the majors). Had the
bidding gone 1D - 2D (Inverted Minors, game force style), the
partnership would know to continue bidding until game is reached.
A frequent stumbling block for emerging players with holdings as you've
shown is proper hand evaluation. Typically responders fall in the trap of
counting extra points for dummy shortages, assuming the hand will be
valuable for ruffing.
Unfortunately, the recurring theme is that opener places the contract in 3
Notrump and the hand goes down. Based on the bidding, reasonable defenders
will know to lead a Heart -- assuming opponents are 5-5 (since they didn't
interfere with the auction), they will take 5 Heart tricks plus 1 Diamond
trick.
In summary, finding minor suit games with distributional hands are often
tricky. Hopefully this provides some food for thought. |
