Friday, February 09, 2007 8:50 AM
Hand Evaluation – Partnership ( Default Understandings
)
PITBULLS:
Unfortunately, ambiguity is allowed both in the English language &
in the game of Bridge. How we figure out the meaning of the word or bid is
“depending on context” . How we use the word or bid
will define the meaning of the word or be clarified later in the auction ( hopefully). However, coming with the territory of this
ambiguity is a concept of a default understanding.
For
example, if
partner bids 5NT , the default understanding is the Grand Slam Force. Next on
the priority list , is the bid means “pick a slam”
, next the 5NT bid could be a two suiter ( most likely the minors or else 5NT may be a Q bid
showing the King of spades.
Signals are ambiguous. Depending on context or how you use
the signals will reveal the meaning . However , there is a default
understanding that a signal is attitude
, followed by count & finally suit preference. This default understanding
is what is put on your convention card & is explained if the opponents ask.
4NT
with the majors defaults to KCB . However, 4NT
could be Lebensohl after a double of a 4 level major
, to play in an aborted minor slam try , a general two suiter
or even 3 suiter T/O. The meaning will or should be
clarified with the auction
.
Q bids are the most ambiguous bid of all in the game of
Bridge. Partner bid 3♦ in an inverted minor
auction clubs agreed , so is it a suit , a Q bid or showing a
stopper for NT ? The answer is all of the
above. There is another Bridge basic that now comes into play. Games before slams. In other words
, your initial (
default ) interpretation of a bid should be geared towards
getting to the best game not a
slam. You should interpret the bid
as a suit or
a NT stopper before a Q bid.
The forcing NT leans towards the concept of games before slams. The default
understanding of a 3rd bid by an opener is “patterning out” so not a Q bid. Partner
held a hand that shows how this works beautifully. Partner opened 1♠ on ♠AKQxx ♥Axx ♦x ♣KJxx , I responded 1NT. Partner
bid 2♣ so I raised to 3♣. Partner now bid 3♥ . I hold ♠x ♥KJ10xx ♦xxx ♣Qxxx so I bid 4♥ making +620. The clubs
broke badly so 5♣ goes down. The opponents ask what partner’s 3♥ bid meant . With forcing NT’s , the default understanding is “patterning out” . If it were not , the Q bid going for a slam on an invitational auction
( very rare ) must be clarified by very aggressive club action later. The
partnership default understanding
is what is explained to the opponents though.
The
default understanding for the 4 level is slam orientated. Bids are usually Q
bids or Ace asking.
1♠-P-1NT-P
3♥-P-4♦ is a Q bid in support of
hearts. This is your default understanding
when the opponents asks the question.