Saturday, September 16, 2006 7:56 PM

Hand Evaluation – Partnership ( crowded auctions )

PITBULLS:

Ambiguous Q bids should be avoided if at all possible. In modern bidding , we have been conditioned that Q bids imply a fit unless it is an obvious exception determined by the context of the auction. Instead of a Q bid , try the old fashioned throw back of “bidding what you have”. I was guilty of trying to be scientific rather than bidding my own hand so it cost us 12 IMPs. My partner opened 1♠ , there was a 3♣ pre-empt. I held ♠x ♥AJ10x ♦KQJ1098x ♣x and bid 3♦ to which partner responded 3♠. Now what ?

I have always suggested you paint a picture of your hand to partner . In other words , bid what you have. Instead , I muddied the waters with an ambiguous Q bid so got what I deserved. Partner interpreted the Q bid as showing a spade fit ( default understanding for a Q bid ) . This is a correct assumption as why I am not just describing my hand in a crowded auction ? He bid 4NT KCB for spades so I trapped myself. I leapt to 6♦ as an out but the opponents found the winning defense of cashing their 2 Aces.

OK the ambiguous Q bid certainly did not work ,so what is a better bid ? You were dealt essentially a one suited hand with 11 HCP. Certainly it is a nice hand but why not describe it to partner by leaping to 5♦ after his 3♠ bid ? Its fast arrival but to a 11 trick game , so you have slam only if partner has the appropriate controls. Bidding 4♦ is slow arrival where you are probably interested in more. This “slow arrival bid “ bid overstates your hand somewhat. I think a leap to game is about right.

As an aside , when partner did not ask you for a preference , 6NT does not play better than a suit. Since I Q bid clubs , partner protecting the club king is not a good idea. What if I held ♠x ♥AJ10x ♦KQJ1098xx ♣ void ? 6♦ is cold where 6NT could go down 6 vul. If partner never Q bid clubs , 6NT to protect the club king is most likely the correct bid.

The old fashioned Q bid to show strength should be avoided. D.S.I.P. doubles & slow arrival have replaced these old fashioned ambiguous Q bids . Sometimes it is better just to bid what you think you can make. Sometimes that is the most descriptive bid of your hand.