Friday, October 07, 2005 2:14 AM

D.S.I.P. - Systemic Toys

PITBULLS:

How do “systemic toys” like disturbing their NT , Michaels and unusual 2NT mesh with D.S.I.P. double theory ? Michaels Q bids or unusual 2NT are only bid on weak distributional hands or very strong hands. In a competitive auction after you have used the toy , a double by the toy bidder simply means that you have the upper range for your Michaels or unusual 2NT . You could be void in their suit for the double and if partner passes she is converting holding their trump.

What about the partner of the “systemic toy” bidder ? In my mind , a systemic toy that has a weak or strong range should be treated as a pre-empt for systemic doubles. Like a pre-empt , partner knows more about your hand then you do of his. A double by responder should be penalty as that hand is the great unknown and your hand is quite known as to distribution and probable HCP range. This is the basis for penalty doubles.

Everybody has some sort of toy to disturb the opponents NT . Here is where D.S.I.P. doubles can be very effective by the systemic bidder. If the opponents are nv and you are vul , you should prefer bidding your toy with a strong hand. The vulnerable game you may reach is far more lucrative than 1NTX going down nv. You hold AKQxx AKxxx xx x and they open 1NT . On every vulnerability except vulnerable against nv you would double 1NT rather than using your toy. OK , you hold this hand vulnerable and they open 1NT . You bid 2♣ or 2♦ whatever bid shows the majors and they bid at the 3 level and around to you. You make a D.S.I.P. double telling partner you have a huge hand for your systemic bid on this vulnerability. Systemic toys can be used as 3^rd case D.S.I.P. doubles. The opponents own the auction so you double to give partner the option to sacrifice. Since you have described your distribution, the double now says you have some defense but you are not positive that you can beat the contract single handedly.

What if you have nice defense and you make your systemic bid over 1NT on equal vulnerability or even nv against vul and you just want to compete again after they bid a partial ? Again you can make a D.S.I.P. double saying that I have the distribution for my bid and I just wish to compete again. If you have their suit , you can pass as I can contribute some defense. Not making a D.S.I.P. double and bidding again is just bidding your hand twice. BJ Trelford made an excellent 3^rd case D.S.I.P. double tonight against Maurice & Susan. He held KQJ10x KJxxx xx x and was NV against vulnerable opponents. He bid our toy ( 2♣ ) which shows the majors and Susan doubled . I bid 2♥ and around again to Susan who bid 3NT . Passed around to BJ who made a D.S.I.P. double ! On this vulnerability , it can not be a rock or he would have doubled 1NT rather than using the systemic bid going in. He is making a D.S.I.P. double as a sacrifice or leave it in at my option. The opponents have announced they own the hand. He does not want to make a single handed sacrifice as 3NT may have no play if I am stacked in the minors with a reasonable defensive hand. Why not have the best of both worlds with a D.S.I.P. double ? My hand is xx 1098 xxx Axxxx and I have an easy 4♥ bid. This gets doubled and I go for –100 against their +630 !! What if BJ held AKQJ10 Jxxxx xx x and the same auction occurred ? You would quietly put the green card on the table and take your one trick set. You do not want to risk the opponents or partner ruining your sure set.