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What should I
do when responding to partner's Flannery 2D conventional bid (showing
11-15 points and a 4=5=x=x) hand?
x x x A Q x x x x x
10 9 x x x x x
I have a problem. Do I:
Risk inquiring about minor suit holdings attempting to find a 5:3 fit by
going to 2 Notrump?
Sign off in 2 Hearts with a 5-1 fit?
Bid 2 Spades with a 4-2 fit?
While your
partner holds 4-5 in the majors, you correctly point out
the major suit misfit with your disappointing hand. With such a long Diamond
suit and working honors (Ace and Queen), actually you should Pass. Yes, this
will surprise your partner who likely has 1 or 0 Diamonds (see
Rule of Anticipation), but
it's your best fit.
Actually,
this is the "standard" Flannery treatment with a long Diamond holding.
However, I am
troubled by the hand you presented. The distribution is 2=1=7=7! When
you are holding 17 cards, I recommend you call the Director for assistance
<grin> (only teasing - I'm sure your point is that you were loooong in
the minors)
My second
question is:
If the opponents' open a 1D
bit and I hold the requirements for a Flannery opening is there a way in
which I can convey I wanted to open 2D Flannery? Bbidding 2D in
this auction would indicate a
Michael's Cue Bid.
A fair number
of aggressive bidders lighten the typical 5-5 length requirement associated
with Michael Cuebid, allowing 4-5 hands with good values in the upper suit
(provided the auction is at the two level). Some well known pros
have even stretched this holding a 4-6 pattern, but that is an extreme based
on advanced hand valuation, looking for a swing board, etc.
Provided you
and partner play the more liberalized 4-5 method, then indeed you could
cuebid 2D to show your Flannery-type hand. Of course, partner may have
2=2 or 3=2 in the majors and leave you with a 7 card trump fit but life goes
on in the competitive
arena. Whoever quipped, "it's the price of poker" should have
also considered the plight of Bridge players! |
