The Retropoet Plays Picture Bidding

Problem Hand Number 2

In Picture Bidding, One Must Think...

East Deals
NS vulnerable 
 
 
 
		S xxx 			W	N	E	S
		H xx 			 
		D KJx 			-	- 	P	1C(a)
		C AQxxx 		P	1D(b)	P	3NT(c)
 					P	P(d)	P
	S unk 		S unk 		
	H unk 		H unk 	
	D unk 		D unk 
	C unk 		C unk 
 
		S AKQ 
		H AKJ 
		D xx 
		C KJxxx
(a) Not quite enough for a strong two-bid. Five losers and 41/2 quick tricks. Cannot open 2NT (21-22), because of unstopped suit.

(b) Not quite strong enough for a jump raise (game force). A 1NT response does not seem right with both majors unstopped. (12 support points, 8 losers)

(c) Usually a hand like this, or one slightly weaker with a runnable suit.

(d) First thought: 21 plus 12 = slam. Second thought: Partner most likely has diamonds unstopped, and the lead will be coming through my diamond holding, putting any possible slams in immediate jeopardy. Third thought: At notrumps, my hand will be worth slightly less, and slam will be an iffy proposition.