Friday, July 28, 2006 5:35 PM

Hand Evaluation - Grand Slams ( Unlimited hands )

PITBULLS:

Bidding grand slams is a delicate Bridge operation. KCB has come along way over the years so most experts have queen asks , specific kings and suit asking bids built into that structure. This is an invaluable tool to get to grand slams. However , there is another main way to get to grand slams which is to put partner into the picture with a 5NT bid. The 5NT bid serves two different purposes depending on whether partner has limited her hand or her hand is unlimited. The 5NT bid says opposite a limited hand , partner we have all the controls so I am interested in bidding 7. if you have a source of tricks , do not even bother to answer kings just bid 7. If you just have just what you announced , answer kings so transfer the decision back to partner.

Here is an auction where the above partnership trust comes in very handy when partner has limited her hand by a simple raise. I held ♠AKx ♥AKJxxx ♦xx ♣AJ , heard my partner open 1♦ & I bid 1♥. Partner bid 2♥ , so I bid 4NT KCB . He answered his one control so I bid 5NT . Partner’s hand is ♠QJ ♥Q10xx ♦AKJxx ♣xx so I think on the strength of his diamond suit should just bid 7♥. With this hand ♠QJ ♥Q10xx ♦ AKJx ♣xxx a limited hand should just answer kings. This is sending the dual message that I do not have anything extra for my limited bid.

How do the rules change if partners hand is unlimited ?

1♠-P-2♥-P

2♠-P-3♠-P

4NT-P-5♥-P

5NT In this auction , even though the person who took control only had aspirations for a small slam , courtesy considerations opposite an unlimited hand is in effect. You bid 5NT to invite partner to the party in case she has extra. Partner will now bid 7 with an extra source of tricks.

Taking control by bidding 4NT KCB is a single handed Bridge bid. Partner is relegated to just answering questions. When you bid 5NT things change , you are now giving partner some freedom to place the final contract. Limited hands vrs unlimited hands makes all the difference in the world for grand slam bidding.