Comments on: midweek update http://stacyjacobs.com/2008/09/17/midweek-update/ Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:22:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: Bob Katz http://stacyjacobs.com/2008/09/17/midweek-update/comment-page-1/#comment-2237 Bob Katz Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:52:39 +0000 http://stacyjacobs.com/?p=711#comment-2237 (1) This is a 1D opening bid. Possibly some would pass but it is clearly an opening bid. It is a much better hand than for example 10xxx, QJx, AQxx, Axx which I presume you would happily open. I would NEVER open this 2D, not even in 3rd seat. Opposite Axxxx, ? Kx, ? it makes 4S. It makes 3N opposite many hands where partner holds Kx of diamonds and a few other cards. (2) Once I bid stayman and partner responded 2S, I would never ever consider 3N. While it is true that it might make when 4S goes down, I know of no method to get there. The opponents have at least 10 hearts. While partner could theoretically have a hand which makes 3N and goes down in 4H, that will be rare compared to all the hands that make 4 or more spades but have no play for 3N. (4) I think I would bid 3H over 2S showing shortness somewhere and at least a mild slam try in spades. After that I would bid very conservatively. If partner now bids 3N asking for your shortness you can bid 4H. Partner will now devalue all hearts except for the ace but if he has the right cards he may go on. Your other option is to bid 3D as you did and then jump to 4S, showing that the 3H bid did not help your hand and that you have diamonds, spades and a mild slam try. (5) The structure after stayman where opener responds a major that responder holds is as follows: 3 of other major shows a fit and an unbalanced slam try (3N asks for your shortness, if hearts are trump then 4H by responder shows spade shortness), 4C is RKC in opener's suit, 4D shows a balanced 15-17 and a 4-4 fit in opener's suit. (1) This is a 1D opening bid. Possibly some would pass but it is clearly an opening bid. It is a much better hand than for example 10xxx, QJx, AQxx, Axx which I presume you would happily open. I would NEVER open this 2D, not even in 3rd seat. Opposite Axxxx, ? Kx, ? it makes 4S. It makes 3N opposite many hands where partner holds Kx of diamonds and a few other cards.

(2) Once I bid stayman and partner responded 2S, I would never ever consider 3N. While it is true that it might make when 4S goes down, I know of no method to get there. The opponents have at least 10 hearts. While partner could theoretically have a hand which makes 3N and goes down in 4H, that will be rare compared to all the hands that make 4 or more spades but have no play for 3N.
(4) I think I would bid 3H over 2S showing shortness somewhere and at least a mild slam try in spades. After that I would bid very conservatively. If partner now bids 3N asking for your shortness you can bid 4H. Partner will now devalue all hearts except for the ace but if he has the right cards he may go on.
Your other option is to bid 3D as you did and then jump to 4S, showing that the 3H bid did not help your hand and that you have diamonds, spades and a mild slam try.
(5) The structure after stayman where opener responds a major that responder holds is as follows:
3 of other major shows a fit and an unbalanced slam try (3N asks for your shortness, if hearts are trump then 4H by responder shows spade shortness), 4C is RKC in opener’s suit, 4D shows a balanced 15-17 and a 4-4 fit in opener’s suit.

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