Hand of the day #211
The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff This column aims to amuse, as well as to educa...
Bobby Wolff answers your questions
You hold:
Partner opens three clubs, no one vulnerable. What would you bid?
Pre-empted, Calgary, Alberta
Answer: 3♥
It could be right to pass, but that seems unduly pessimistic. If partner has heart support and therefore ruffing values in the pointed suits, we could make a lot of tricks. So, I would bid three hearts, natural and forcing. Three no-trump might struggle with no entry to partner’s clubs, but I will bid that next over if partner bids three spades (which would suggest spade values).
Partner opens one heart, you raise to two hearts, the next hand bids two spades and partner jumps to four clubs. How would you interpret this bid?
High Level, Little Rock, Ark.
Answer:
This should be natural, not necessarily huge extra values, showing at least nine cards in the two suits. Your partner is interested in bidding to the five-level if the opponents compete to four spades and is asking your opinion ahead of time. If he finds you with fitting club cards, you might bid to the five level, knowing of a double fit of sorts. The bid is designed to take away partner’s guess on the next round. He has not guaranteed slam-going values for this bid. Note that as a general principle, competitive jumps should only be splinters if you are bidding the opponents’ suit.
What would you open with :
Gold Mine, Casper, Wyo.
Answer: Open one club and reverse into hearts
Some would plump for two no-trump, but I think the hand is too slam-suitable for that, especially if we can find a club fit. With so many controls, I would open one club and reverse into hearts. If partner shows signs of life but no fit, perhaps I can then jump to four no-trump, natural, to denote this sort of strength and shape.
We play non-forcing advances to an overcall. With this in mind, what should a jump to a new suit be on an auction such as: one diamond on your left, two clubs from partner, pass on your right, three spades from you?
As Nature Intended, Seneca, S.D.
Answer:
You need to have a way to show a strong hand with spades. It is not palatable to have to start with some amorphous cue-bid first. So, if two spades is not forcing, three spades has to be natural and game-forcing, denoting a six-card suit. If you play two spades as forcing, three spades could then be best used as a fit jump, showing spades and clubs.
Is it acceptable to look at the opponents’ cards if they are holding their cards in your line of vision?
Ostrich Neck, Sioux Falls, S.D.
You must strive not to look. Not only is it against the rules to take advantage of such information, but it also detracts from the fun and challenge of the game. I would politely ask your opponent to hold their cards back. Certainly, leaning across to have a peek when they are not on view is heinous.