Sunday, September 03, 2006 10:11 PM

Hand Evaluation – Systemic ( Jump Shift Reverses )

 

PITBULLS:

 

            We play “jump shift reverses” as natural 6-5’s with HCP’s just under a true reverse. We define that range as 10-14 but with 6-5’s , these are still pretty powerful hands. There are still not a true reverse though as standard reverses have the HCP’s as well as the shape. 6 Clubs & 5 spades or 6 diamonds & 5 spades do not constitute a “jump shift reverse” . These are real jump shifts so are not included in this particular treatment. The only true jump shift reverses are these 4 suit combinations 6♣’s & 5♦’s , 6♥’s & 5♠’s , 6♦’s & 5♥’s , 6♣’s & 5♥’s . After the jump , the auction can end there or a simple preference should be passed. They are a nice pre-emptive toy when the opponents have the cards. 6-5 “come alive”  to be a nuisance & describe your hand with one bid. Not bad !

 

            Now , for the forcing bids when your side owns the hand. Jumps to game or a bid of 3NT are to play. We use the 4th suit as KCB for the 1st suit ( minor ) & 4NT for KCB in the 2nd suit. This makes sense because the 2nd suit is quite often a major . The 1st suit is often a minor which causes the reverse in the first place.. The 4th suit gives the auction the look & feel of Kickback for the minors. 4NT is always associated with a major fit but in the case of both majors , it’s the 2nd major. In the case of both minors , it’s the 2nd minor. Double agreement KCB is of course implied with 4NT & a major fit  , as you are opposite a known 6-5.

 

            Here is an auction from the Bermuda Bowl. ♠ x ♥AKxxx ♦AQJxxx ♣x   opposite ♠AQJ109x ♥x ♦Kxx ♣xxx   . The auction would go

 

1♦-P-1♠-P 

3♥-P-4♣-P 

4NT-P-6♦-P   4NT shows 2 with the queen in response to our 4th suit KCB. KCB should be for both suits ( double agreement in minors not invented yet though )  !!

 

            Change responders hand to ♠AQJ10xx ♥QJxx ♦Kx ♣ x , with the same auction 4NT would agree hearts.   If you respond with a limited bid like 1NT , there is probably no slam in these auctions. KCB should not be an issue. 4NT would be unmistakably for the major , if it came up. Double agreement KCB solves the problem of which major suit is trump as both of them are !   ♠AJ10xx ♥AKJxxx ♦x ♣x   opposite ♠9x ♥Q109 ♦Axxx ♣Axxx .

 

1♥-P-1NT-P

3♠-P-4NT-P

5♦-P-6♥              with 6 key cards available , we are off one.

 

 

            There are some auctions where you can invite to game as you could have passed the jump.

 

1♣-P-1♠-P 

3♦-P-4♦ .  Remember in these auctions if responder rebids her own suit , it is non forcing and usually spells a misfit. This particular auction , partner could have passed 3♦. These jump shift reverses are not defined with 2/1 . They are defined in competition though. Suits are still more important than splinters so we like this treatment . Here is the original write up from Karen Walker describing this nice toy. Garozzo would approve.