Retropoet Plays Picture Bidding

 
 
		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 
 
		

(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:

1. 1NT, showing 5-4 distribution either way in spades and diamonds with 8 to 13 HCP.
2. 2NT, showing 5-5 distribution in spades and diamonds, with no more than 8 losers at equal non-vulnerability.
3. X, showing 4-4 distribution in spades and diamonds, with at least 3 clubs, and 11+ HCP.
4. 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.)
5. 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!
6. 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!
7. 2S, showing 4, with a very good 6-card fourth suit (diamonds in this example).
8. 3D, preemptive (cannot tolerate fourth suit)
9. 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:

1. 1NT = 5-7 pts., with the fourth suit. Denies 3 spades (would pass).
2. 2C = Unlimited. Forcing. (Must have at least 8-10 points if holding the fourth suit) May be weak, with clubs.
3. 2H = 6+ hearts, not forcing, not constructive.
4. 2S = 4+ spades, 8-10 pts. Not forcing.
5. 2NT = 13 to 15 points with the fourth suit. Forcing.
6. 3C = Picture Bid. Ace or king of spades, with good clubs (5+ with 2/top 3 honors). Forcing.
7. 3D = Natural and forcing.
8. 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.
9. 3S = Invitational. 4+ spades.
10. 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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