2007-09-14 22:53
Hand Evaluation - Equal Level Conversion ( Balancing )
PITBULLS:
Equal level
conversion is a must in the balancing
chair & playing negative doubles. Especially
against suicide weak twos , you bend
over backwards to double in the balancing spot with defense measured in
quick tricks in order to catch them speeding. However ,
what if they escape , you have to scramble
to the best spot. Equal level conversion is in effect scrambling to
your best fit. If you switch suits at the same level , it is
saying simply , I do not have your suit nor do I have extra.
Equal level conversion is necessary playing negative double theory when
your re-opening doubles are also off shape to catch speeders.
Kiz Fung brought up a good point playing equal level
conversion in the balancing spot. For the purpose of equal level
conversion any bid over NT at the higher level is considered “equal
level” conversion. The auction goes
1♥-P-P-X
P-1NT-P-? any bid at the two level is to play , not
showing extra. You jump or Q bid to show a good hand. You are
just improving the 1NT partial after a balancing bid (
scrambling ) . Kiz actually held ♠AJxxx ♥Kx ♦KQx
♣Axx so a 2NT raise is warranted. Bid NT with balanced
hands. Partner bids 3NT with ♠Qx ♥J987 ♦Jx ♣KQJxx . There is no
reason to try for a major suit game , as there may be
danger of heart ruffs or a 10 trick game may be just too
high . If partner has soft values in hearts as advertised ♥Q10xx or ♥QJxx you want to be in 3NT anyway.
I
had a hand with Tom in Pentiction , ♠Jx ♥AQxx ♦AJ9xx ♣xx & LHO opened 2♠ so around to
you in the balancing seat.. You double , so partner
bids 3♣ which is alerted as constructive. I passed & we went two down vul in our 4-2 club fit cold for 130 in diamonds.
330 is a lot of IMPS to waste. Minimum equal level conversion to the rescue , so you bid
3♦ . What if you did have a diamond rock in the
balancing spot ? Say ♠Jx
♥AQxx ♦AKQ10xx ♣x with the auction going the same way . You can always bid 3♠ to ask him to bid 3NT after your
double & if he does not , bidding diamonds at the 4 level will now
show this hand. Good hands take care of themselves.
A tormenttee & I held the same hand Thurs nite. ♠Q10xxxx ♥K1098 ♦AJ ♣x
. LHO at both tables opened 1♦
vul which was passed around to the balancing seat.
You have enough defense to protect partners ♦
trap if there is one , so you double. Partner
makes the obvious bid of 2NT with her 14 HCP . Bidding
is based on probabilities , so you bid in accordance
with the average hand partner could hold for a double , not the
worst hand. The cut off point for a double in the balancing chair is 10 HCP
with suitable quick tricks
. The Tormentee passed 2NT & a
baby 4♠ game was missed. Partner will not hang you for balancing
, so 1NT can be even up to a bad 11 HCP. A 2NT bid is nearing a 1NT
overcall range. Once partner bids 2NT , simply
bid 4♠ as partner is showing at least 2 spades with a very good hand
behind the opening bidder.
With
re-opening doubles ( negative double theory ) & balancing doubles , double to
show your defensive quick tricks not your shape. Your primary
objective is to protect partner’s penalty double or trap of their
suit. The double is not a T/O double per se so unbid
suits is not a criteria. Quick tricks are though. Since you are off shape , you need a way to “scramble” if the opponents have a
fit. Enter equal level conversion. Do not rescue the opponents in
these auctions by bidding anything other than a double when you hold quick
tricks. You are not on their side so protect partner’s trap pass.