Page 15 - ABF Newsletter October 2024

BRIDGE INTO THE
21st CENTURY
Paul Lavings, plavings@gmail.com
YOUR ACTION WHEN YOUR RHO OVERCALLS 2[
What would you call on the following hands, neither side vulnerable?
WEST NORTH EAST
pass 1] 2[ ?
1. ]Q76 [85 }AK106 {K983
2. ]965 [KQ5 }KJ6 {QJ53
3. ]Q3 [AQ107 }K1043 {K82
4. ]109 [K2 }QJ8652 {AJ2
5. ]43 [K7 }AQJ652 {A32
6. ]82 [82 }AQ1096 {AKJ8
7. ]5 [AJ10 }AKQ85 {A732
8. ]Q2 [87 }AKQ10752 {A5
9. ]KQ74 [2 }AK874 {K83
10. ] K J 5 4 [ Q 6 } A Q 7 3 { K Q J
SOLUTIONS
1. Double. Support doubles and redoubles are indis- pensable in the partscore battle. The difference between a 4-3 and 4-4 fit is well known, and the difference be- tween a 5-3 and a 5-4 fit is also critical. The 1] bidder could have only four spades but could also have five, six or even seven.
Popular is to use double here as a “Power” double or a “card-showing” double showing say 15+ HCP. I much prefer to sort out the level of our trump fit.
2. Pass. There is a big difference between this hand and the hand in Question 1. Both hands have 12 HCP but the hand in Question 1 has a bit of shape and well-posi- tioned high cards; if responder has nowhere to go over your double, and is forced to rebid a four-card spade suit, little damage will be done.
This hand is flat and with strength in the opponent’s suit. Best to pass and if responder reopens with a double now bid 2]. Responder should get the picture that you don’t like your hand.
3. Pass. To rebid 2NT when responder has replied at the one-level would show 18-19 balanced so that is not an option. Keep in mind responder may only have 5 or 6 HCP. Pass is strongly indicated, with length and strength in the opponent’s suit, and if responder has extra values and reopens with a double you should pass and collect 300, 500 or more.
4. Pass. How strong should opener be to rebid their six- card suit in this situation? I would suggest that a sound opening would be ample and here you have an incon- spicuous 11-count. If partner has 8+ HCP and short in hearts they can reopen with a double, and now you can bid 3}.
5. 3}. This is a much better hand, and competing with 3} is strongly indicated. Note I would open 1NT and hope for the best.
6. 3{. Only 14 HCP but with this well-upholstered hand I am happy to compete to the three-level.
7. 3NT. The jump to 3NT is not 18-19 balanced, 2NT shows that. 3NT should be some hand like this where you simply want to play 3NT and warn partner off spades.
8. 3[. You want to be in 3NT if responder has a heart stopper so you cuebid opponent’s suit. Your plan is that seven diamond tricks, {A and partner’s heart stopper adds up to at least nine tricks.
9. 3[. As in Question 8 you cuebid, but this time you have great support and shortage in opponent’s suit. Whatever responder bids you will go back to spades and show you have four-card spade support with a heart shortage.
Even though the 3[ cuebid is ambiguous it is important to save space and not jump splinter to 4[. You need very little for slam and it would be nice to show controls and get there if 12 tricks are laydown.
10. 3]. Showing 18-19 balanced with four spades. Most likely 6 HCP in responder’s hand will not be enough for game so it is wise to give responder a chance to pass.
SOUTH 1}
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: October 2024
Page: 15