Page 15 - ABF Newsletter April 2025

BRIDGE INTO THE
21st CENTURY
Paul Lavings, plavings@gmail.com
YOUR RHO TRANSFERS WITH 2} TO THEIR 1NT What would you call on the following hands, neither
than a diamond hand looks right. If the 1NT opener now accepts the transfer and bids 2[ and the bidding comes back to you then I suggest double for takeout.
4. 3}. You have too much oomph to double, so show your strong six-card suit by bidding 3}. If you doubled 2} and the bidding came back to you at 3[ or 4[ you would have to guess whether to bid or pass. When you bid 3} partner can now raise on a minimum hand but with a good fit.
5. Pass. You can’t double 2} with only four of them, so pass and hope to double 2[ or even 3[ or 4[ for takeout.
6. Pass. You are not strong enough to bid 2] so bide your time. If your LHO bids 2[ and the bidding comes back to you, then, knowing partner has some values, balance with 2] to protect your interests.
7. 3]. Much too good to bid just 2]. By jumping to 3] partner knows you have a strong six- or seven-card suit and good playing strength, so can raise to 4] on good shape with few or no high cards.
8. 2[. Michaels showing five spades and 5+ in either minor, never less. The big advantage of 2[ is that it saves space, always a major concern.
9. 3[. If it is such a good idea to show your two-suiter then how do you show six spades and 5+ in a minor? The Michaels 2[ is always five spades and 5+ minor so 2[ sends the wrong message. I like to bid “Super Michaels”, six spades and 5+ minor and get my hand across in one fell swoop.
10. Pass. A tough decision whether to double 2} for the lead and to compete in diamonds or whether to wait and make a takeout double of hearts. You have great diamonds but you also have the perfect shape for a takeout double so pass and double hearts later for takeout.
side vulnerable?
WEST NORTH 1NT pass
EAST SOUTH 2} transfer ?
1. ]J102 [87 }KQ1083 {A92
2. ]K109 [2 }Q108652 {Q102
3. ]A43 [107 }A6432 {A32
4. ]A4 [6 }AKJ1097 {10932
5. ]K876 [8 }KQJ9 {K832
6. ]J10872 [7 }A1096 {K42
7. ]AQJ10763 [4 }A76 {83
8. ]AJ1082 [7 }A10752 {J9
9. ]AJ10862 [6 }5 {A10764
10. ] K J 5 4 [ — } A Q J 10 3 { 10 9 8 7
SOLUTIONS
1. Double. If you have told partner what to lead, you have won the bidding. This is the ideal hand to ask for a specific lead and if partner is encouraged to compete to 3} your hand will be a sound dummy.
There was some doubt 30 years ago whether the double of 2} was better played as showing a good 5+ diamond suit or a takeout of hearts. Nowadays everyone plays it as a diamond suit and for the lead.
2. Pass. A diamond lead may not be as good as a spade or club with only }Q10, and you do have only a 7-count. Also 2[ may not play so well for them if your partner has four or five hearts.
3. Pass. A spade or club lead may be better for your side and treating your hand as a takeout of hearts rather
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT
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Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: April 2025
Page: 15