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RESPONDING TO A SPLINTER

You hold

♠ K J x x

♥ A x x x x

♦ A X

♣ X X

After opening 1♥, your partner now bids 3♠. This is a splinter bid showing enough points for at least game and having 4 card support.

Should you investigate a slam?

The answer is NO. You have points in the suit that is splintered, which MUST be discounted. Your partner COULD have a void in the suit.

The rule is this.

You need at least 11 points OUTSIDE the splinter suit to investigate. You would investigate by showing your cheapest ace.

With this hand you would sign off in 4 ♥, warning your partner not to go on.

Of course if his hand is much bigger, he will go on