Get your ownFree Home PageS K62 W N E S H T853 D Q942 P 1D(a) P 3D(b) C AK P 3S(c) P 4D(d) P 5D(e) All pass S S H H D D C C S AJ7 H 4 D KJ875 C Q943(a) Al Roth has a reputation as one of the most conservative players ever when it comes to opening a hand. Yet, if I read his treatment of opening bids correctly, as outlined in "Picture Bidding", Mr. Roth would open this hand. Total of 12 HCP, plus the length of the two longest suits is equal to 20, and, coupled with 2 1/2 quick tricks, qualifies as an opening hand. Yet at the recent Vanderbilt, this hand was passed in second seat by both Nick Nickell and Marshal Miles. Yes, they were playing IMPS, and yes, they were vulnerable. But I think that Mr. Roth would agree with me that this hand has enough game potential and defense to be an opening bid. Mr. Roth states in his book that if the total arrived at (as above) is 22, he opens the hand when it has 2 quick tricks. If the total is 21, or 20, he opens only with 2 1/2 or more quick tricks. If the total is 19 or less, the hand does not qualify as an opening 1 bid. So, be conservative, but don't stick your head in the sand.
(b) Game forcing raise with 4-5 card support. 14 support points. Could not "mini-splinter", because in picture bidding, it also shows kings and aces in the other suits. As you can see, I only have a Q-high club suit.
(c) Usually, a stopper. (Worried about hearts.)
(d) Forcing. Cannot jump to 5D, because that would be a picture bid, for which I need 2 of top three diamond honors, as well as A or K of spades.
(e) I do not cue-bid the clubs for two reasons:
(f) These hand were discussed in the May, 1998 "Bridge Bulletin", page 43. The opposing hands were not given, but both pairs won eleven tricks declaring a diamond contract, one of which was a partial.
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