Retropoet Plays Picture Bidding
Problem Hand 14
Fourth Suit Not Forcing
East deals
None vulnerable
S K764 W N E S
H -
D AK63 - - P P(a)
C A7654 P(b) 1C(c) P 1H(d)
P(e) 1S(f) P 2D(g)
S A2 S JT95 P 3D(h) P 3NT(i)
H Q98642 H JT5 P 4C(j) P 4D(k)
D T7 D J54 P 5C(l) P 5D(m)
C KJ3 C T82 P P P
S Q83
H AK73
D Q982
C Q9
(a) [12 pts., 8 losers] Not an opening bid; 13HCP, + 8 length= 21, not enough with only 2 quick tricks.
(b) [11 pts., 7 1/2 losers] An acceptable weak 2-bid not-vulnerable, in third seat, at duplicate. For the purposes of this illustration, though, pass.
(c) [15 pts., 5 losers]
(d) With four of a major suit and four diamonds, always respond in the major suit first. Otherwise, partner will get the impression that you have 5 or more diamonds when you reveal a 4 card major. Also, a hand not strong enough to open is not strong enough to reverse as responder, either, unless the opening bid has greatly improved responder's hand.
(e) East has a number of bids available:
- 1NT, showing 5-4 distribution either way in spades and diamonds with 8 to 13 HCP.
- 2NT, showing 5-5 distribution in spades and diamonds, with no more than 8 losers at equal non-vulnerability.
- X, showing 4-4 distribution in spades and diamonds, with at least 3 clubs, and 11+ HCP.
- 2H, showing 6 or more hearts (to play). PARTNERS MUST AGREE BEFOREHAND IF PLAYING THIS! (Not advisable by a passed hand, because everyone will know that the suit is a poor one.)
- 1S, showing 6, or a very good 5, with tolerance for the fourth suit (Qx or better). This is a good corollary to the sandwich 1NT bid. It prevents one from jumping in on some misfit hands. If provides extra safety. I RECOMMEND THIS TREATMENT!
- 2D, showing 6, or a very very good 5, with tolerance for the fourth suit (Qx or better). This is a good corollary to the sandwich 1NT bid, and the retropoet RECOMMENDS THIS TREATMENT!
- 2S, showing 4, with a very good 6-card fourth suit (diamonds in this example).
- 3D, preemptive (cannot tolerate fourth suit)
- 3S, preemptive (cannot tolerate fourth suit)
(f) Shows 4+ spades, non-forcing.
(g) Shows 4+ diamonds, and 11-13 points, non-forcing. This does not change when responder is a passed hand. Here are some other bids available to responder:
- 1NT = 5-7 pts., with the fourth suit. Denies 3 spades (would pass).
- 2C = Unlimited. Forcing. (Must have at least 8-10 points if holding the fourth suit) May be weak, with clubs.
- 2H = 6+ hearts, not forcing, not constructive.
- 2S = 4+ spades, 8-10 pts. Not forcing.
- 2NT = 13 to 15 points with the fourth suit. Forcing.
- 3C = Picture Bid. Ace or king of spades, with good clubs (5+ with 2/top 3 honors). Forcing.
- 3D = Natural and forcing.
- 3H = Invitational. With enough for game, give a false preference (to clubs in this example) to find out more about opener's hand, or just bid the game if you know where it belongs.
- 3S = Invitational. 4+ spades.
- 3NT = 16-17 points with the fourth suit. Not forcing.
(h) 3D = Forcing to game. All four suits have been bid naturally.
(i) 3NT = Not forcing. Revealing a somewhat balanced hand.
(j) 4C = Forcing, natural. The retropoet (and a very few experts) is reluctant to play 3NT with a void. Especially with a hand rich in aces and kings that might bid a slam.
(k) 4D = Setting the suit. Note that a jump to 5D would be a picture bid, because 4D is forcing. Responder realizes from openers 4C bid that their distribution is 4-0-4-5. Previously, responder believed it might be 4-1-4-4, or perhaps 4-1-3-5.
(l) 5C = A cue bid. Significantly, Opener was unable to show the Spade ace.
(m) 5D = Game is enough. The heart AK combination is not worth it's full strength opposite a void.
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Picture Bidding, Problem Hand 14 / Retropoet / Geocities / retropoet@oocities.com / revised May 1998