Sunday, May 15, 2011

Sunday, May 15th 2011

No hand records for the (hand-dealt) Swiss teams,

Good hand with 8 card major:
As dealer you pick up AKJxxxxx -- xxx Ax (that's 8 spades and a heart void.) What's the best approach?

(1) The hand is far too good for a 4S opening -- you would make that bid with one less Ace, and perhaps a weaker suit (espcially if not vulnerable.) you have too much slam potential to start with 4S: first-round control in 3 suits and 3 key cards.

(2) The hand does not have enough high cards for 2C -- partner will drive the hand to slam far too often with useless values in hearts, or double the opponenents and be surprised when you produce only one defensive trick.

Open 1S. There are 28 hcp running around, and at least two players are short in spades. You won't be passed out. In most cases you will bid 4S at your next opportunity. If partner happens to respond 2D, you will try for slam (usually in spades.) Opening 1S and rebidding 4S suggests the defensive strength & controls of an opening bid combined with the playing strength of a 3S or 4S preempt.

If, however, I picked up AKQxxxxxx -- xx Ax (ten tricks, three quick tricks, control of three suits) I would open 2C and rebid 4S. This promises a full 10 tricks and good controls but below normal high card strength for a 2C opening.

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