Saturday, February 01, 2003 12:32 AM

4-4-4-1 Hands - Part Deux

PITBULLS:

As said in the previous discussion on the subject , 4-4-4-1 hands are a pain to bid . Over a strong NT and a 1NT rebid , methods have been devised to handle them . The following treatment I like over a strong NT . INT 3♣ shows any 4-4-4-1 .

The 1NT bidder automatically bids 3♦ over 3♣ and responder simply bids the singleton or 3NT with a singleton minor. If the NT bidder is worried that a minor suit is open for NT purposes and there is no major suit fit , he bid his minor. A 4NT bid by responder says that’s my stiff.

Stan Cabay introduced the following treatment to me . Over a 1NT rebid , 2NT is a wasted bid playing NMF or 2-way minor forcing . Stan uses it for a dual purpose a relay to clubs in order to play it there and to show a good 4-4-4-1 hand . Over the forced 3♣ bid , a new bid shows the singleton ( Stan bids the suit below ) . With a singleton club you can just “rebid” your suit .

1♦	1♥
1NT	2NT
3♣	3♥

This sequence shows a stiff club Axxx AKxx Axxx x and depending on club duplication of values partner can go onto bigger and better things or avoid the NT trap.

Do you play “gambling Stayman” with a 4-4-4-1 and a stiff club and enough points to make 1NT ? In match points you might make a case for it , but in IMPS a pass is the best bid . Why risk a 4-2 diamond fit if partner has a 5 card club suit and no major ? I do make the bid if I do not have enough points to make 1NT . You have nothing to lose so getting to a better spot before you are doubled might work out .

By the way , having enough points to make 1NT should be the basis of passing a 1NT overcall or opening bid with a bad 5 card major . Your partner overcalls 1NT and you have Qxx Jxxxx J10x xx . Why transfer to hearts ? This could be a shaky 5-2 heart fit and you have a probable 20 HCP between the two hands . See if partner can make 90 instead of you going –200 in 2 hearts . If you are xxxxx xx xxx xxx , may as well transfer to spades as you are not making anything and you are not doubled yet. Of course , with the invitational or better hands you always transfer .