Hand of the Fortnight

Number 16

 

Theme:    Being a trusting bridge “passenger”

 

Main Point;      There are times when you are bidding that you simply(?)

                             sit there cooperatively and let your partner take over the bidding.

                            

THEY KNOW THE MAIN IDEAS OF YOUR HAND BUT YOU DON’T KNOW

A)      How many HCP they have in their hand;                     OR

B)      The shape/distribution of suits;                                    OR

C)      What the final contract that she/he may be aiming for

 

If the opponents interfere with your bidding, the above main point still basically applies.

 

Here are the MAIN CASES where partner takes over the bidding:

           

Opening Bid (You)	Meaning	Comment
1NT	16-18 or 15-17 or 12-14	PARTNER KNOWS you have a balanced hand with a LIMITED RANGE OF HCP. Partner may now pass, check whether you have 1 or 2 four card majors, transfer with a weak hand, transfer with a strong hand, bid 2NT(*)  or go straight to 3NT.
2NT (Strong)	22-24	PARTNER KNOWS you have a balanced hand with a LIMITED RANGE OF HCP. Actions by partner should be similar  to 1NT’s responses above.
3NT	25-27	PARTNER KNOWS you have a balanced hand with a LIMITED RANGE OF HCP.

 

There are cases where partner takes over the bidding after getting more information from you.

Ex. 1:                      You                                                             Partner

                    2C (alerted meaning 19-21, any shape)                    2D   (waiting bid)

                   2NT (showing balanced hand)                                      ?

NOW your partner is in control. Pass, Stayman, transfers, 3NT, slams and 5C or 5D are partner’s usual options.

           

Ex. 2:                      You                                                             Partner

                                    1NT                                                                                2C

                                     2S                                                                                 3NT

Partner has enough HCP for game. He/she MAY HAVE HEARTS or they were checking if you should have Spades covered.

Here’s a case where you PARTLY HAVE INPUT (when there is an INVITATION BY PARTNER).                              You                                                   Partner

                        1NT                                                                   2C   [Stayman asking for major(s)}

                          2S                                                                    3S

Partner should have enough HCP and shape for you to bid 4S if you have MAXIMUM POINTS.

 

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