2007-12-28 02:41

Hand Evaluation - The Pass ( ♦ response )

PITBULLS:

I still do not buy into “modern bidding” or matchpoint tactics in IMPS. Modern bidders have a compulsion to bid the same hand again that they just opened. It is like they are reminding partner that they opened the bidding in case you forgot. The notion of free bids , of course are now extinct. If you have distribution , it is best to show it even with interference. A flat minimum still can be shown by a rarely used bid called a pass when they bid in the sandwich position. In fact , I go as far as saying a pass describes a flat minimum without a stopper or a flat hand too weak to freely bid 1NT after a bid in the sandwich position.

My partner held ♠KJxx ♥Qx ♦Kxx ♣KJxx a hand that non modernists would not even open in IMPS. A flat 13 HCP , Aceless , 1 ½ quick tricks 3 unsupported kings & an unsupported queen . OK passing 13 HCP is not your style even with a hand containing no redeeming features, so you open the bidding 1♣. I respond 1♦ & they overcall 1♥. The opponents have given you a chance to show your non opener. You pass saying that with the heart overcall , my hand has now re-evaluated to even a worse hand that I opened. What if you held extra HCP’s with this flat hand that possibly evaluates up to 18 HCP without a heart stopper ? This would be an ideal hand for a double. I can not bid 2NT as I do not have a heart stopper but I have “cards” . You announce that fact with a double as the most flexible bid. Maybe some other good hands with general defense are suitable for a double also. I like doubles to show quick tricks , so the double can be converted for penalty. Doubles equate to quick tricks & bidding or passing usually shows a lack of defense for your opening bid. Simple Bridge.

Over 1♣ openers , we bypass responding diamond suits with a minimum hand with a major . We bid the major in lieu of even a 5 card diamond suit. If we respond a diamond , we either just have diamonds or with a major also , we have a hand which will bid again. Given these ♣/♦ understandings , there is no reason to have a double by opener defined as showing a major after opponents bidding in the sandwich. A support double for the minors is silly. Competing in a minor is going to get out bid by the opponents anyway. Reserving a double by opener to show “cards” is probably the best bid.

A penalty double at the one level sandwich bid is considered old fashioned also. Responder always will re-open with a double with a suitable hand & a penalty extracted that way. A pass with a minimum is still a legal bid though . My partner doubled 1♥ with this sub standard opener , which I misinterpreted as penalty. This was a –16 IMP accident as this auction had never been discussed before. Why take the chance when a pass describes your minimum hand perfectly ?

Playing D.S.I.P. double theory , means you have the luxury of passing with minimums. You are not going to be shut out of the bidding if that is your fear as partner will make a competitive double if she holds “cards”. If partner does have a minimum response , you do not want to be in this auction anyway. The pass is descriptive so now partner has a good idea of your opening bid range & your lack of defense measured in quick tricks. Describing your hand to partner. Now there is a thought .J