2007-12-02 15:51

Hand Evaluation – Systemic ( 3rd Suit Auctions )

PITBULLS:

Most experts agree that “3^rd suit” auctions by responder at the two level are poorly handed by Standard bidding. These auctions are specifically 1♣ with a 2♣ rebid , 1♦ with a 2♦ rebid & 1♥ with a 2♥ rebid. Responder now bids a 3^rd suit , so what are your understandings ?

Lets discuss a 2NT bid by responder first. We like this bid to be considered the 3^rd suit also & forcing one round ( godfather 2NT ) . It is a natural bid intending to play the NT. 2NT is invitational plus & may have a fit for openers minor but wants opener to pattern out or otherwise describe the strength of her hand. A rebid of her minor is the only non forcing bid. 2NT by responder can also be a waiting bid to subsequently investigate the best contract or slam but the auction can abort at 3NT . A direct 3NT raise by opener is nothing extra or extra with soft values.

The 3^rd suit is a one round force at the 2 level & a game force at the 3 level. We make an exception with the lowly club suit as we have room for diamonds to be a one round force after 2♣ NMF so to speak ) .

1♣-P-1♠-P

2♣-P-2♥ non forcing as we have 2♦ to force one round.

1♦-P-1♠-P

2♦-P-2♥-P one round force so may show a game forcing diamond raise with distribution ( 2NT inference)

1♥-P-1♠-P

2♥-P-3♣/♦ game force ( 3 level )

1♦-P-1♠-P

2♦-P-3♣-P game force may show diamonds later

Since these 3^rd suit auctions are not total misfits , jumps into the 3^rd suit by responder are defined to natural & invitational.

1♣-P-1♠-P

2♣-P-3♥/♦-P

1♦-P-1♠-P

2♦-P-3♥/3♦-P

A simple raise of partners suit is of course , invitational.

Lets discuss the 3^rd suit godfather 2NT bid. Since it is forcing one round , the bid can hide a huge hand with a fit for partners minor. An artificial bid designed to keep the bidding low & eventually support partners minor or major in the case of hearts. A return to openers minor or major by the 2NT bidder is a game force. This means you do not have to bid a new suit just to force when you have a game forcing hand in partners suit. You may want to do that in order to pattern out though.

1♥-P-1♠-P

2♥-P-2NT ♠AKxxx ♥Axx ♦Kxx ♣Kx

1♦-P-1♥-P

2♦-P-2NT

3♣-P-3♦ ♠Kx ♥Axxxx ♦Kxxx ♣Ax

1♦-P-1♠-P ♠AKxxx ♥x ♦Axxx ♣Kxx

2♦-P-3♣-P

3NT-P-4♦ Cannot splinter to 3♥ as that is natural. Could have bid 2♥ as a one round force followed by supporting diamonds.

If you feel the auction is going to be too awkward when you have a huge hand with a fit for partner , bid the 3^rd suit godfather 2NT. Partner may pattern out for you or describe a NT hand.

A leap to 3NT as the 3^rd suit ends all auctions ( fast arrival ) . In the words of rubber Bridge players , it is to play possibly with no fit but definitely no slam interest. 2NT would show the slam interest hand.