Sunday, July 02, 2006 2:10 AM

Kickback - Implied Fit

PITBULLS:

In 2/1 auctions & 4^th suit forcing auctions since the game force is on , We like a 2NT rebid by either hand to show a minimum or the 18-19 HCP range. We like the leap to 3NT by either hand to show a balanced or semi-balanced ( 5-4-3-1) 15-17 hand. Bidding these hands quantitatively right sides the NT quite often and shows your HCP range exactly. The 3NT bid comes with a price though as you have shot up to the 4 level , you make finding secondary minor fits difficult.

There is a cure . 4NT by either partner says I have no interest in your minor and I am attempting to play this contract. Any other bid other than a previous bid suit is Kickback . There is no Q bid at the 4 level saying you just like the minor. You either signoff in 4NT or accept partners slam try with Kickback . This is an implied minor fit just found at the 4 level.

This hand from the World Championship . ♠ KQx ♥ AKxxx ♦ Q10xx ♣K and they opened 1♥ partner bid 2♣ and declarer decided to right side the NT and show her points by leaping to 3NT. Partner bid 4♦ so you should discourage the diamond slam or take control with Kickback. 4♠ in this auction should be Kickback with diamonds as the implied suit. In any auction where 4NT would be to play and you are just agreeing your minor at the 4 level , you have no choice but use Kickback for KCB. Partner held ♠ xx ♥ Jx ♦ AKJx ♣ AQ109x and 6♦ is cold.

Lets try another auction . ♠AJxxx ♥ AKxx ♦void ♣AJxx and you open 1♠ and partner bidding 2♦ . You reply 2♥ and partner leaps to 3NT . You bid 4♣ as a slam try and partner holds ♠x ♥QJx ♦AKxxx ♣KQxx . Partner felt that the lead should come up to her hand so she bid 3NT to describe her 15 HCP.

I think 4♦ is an impossible bid when partner shows a stiff or no diamonds so playing it as Kickback on this particular auction makes sense. Q bids at the 4 level after 3NT – humbug. You get to your 6♣ or 7♣.

A rule for making slam tries in partners minor , your minor or a new minor is can you play 4NT as a contract and make it ? if the answer is yes go for it.