SHAPELY HANDS
♠ AKQXX
♥ void
♦ QJ10xxx
♣ XX
How many points is this hand worth?
In defence it is 12 HCP right?
How many tricks in defence? Answer is probably only 2.
How many points is the hand worth once you find the best fit with partner?
Add on points for shape.
5 points for a void, 2 points for a singleton and1point for a doubleton
The answer is 12+5+1=18 points. in other words a big hand!!
This is why you have to strain hard with these shapely hands to play the contract and NOT defend. This is a classic hand with all your points in the 2 suits.
ALWAYS open the 6 card suit and bid and rebid the second 5 card suit. Absolutely no exception.
SO:
1♦ ..p....1NT..p
2♠ ..p......3♦ !
Now You have to think what to do now?
Rebid 3♠ in case partner has 3-cards in the suit?
Or pass?
You have shown 17 points (which you DO have when we find fit) with 6/5 or could be 6/4. You could also possibly be 4/1/5/3 with a very good 17, looking for NT if partner has Heart stop.
What has partner shown with his bid of 3 ♦ ?
Let us consider his alternative bids.
with a GOOD 8/9 points .
1) 3♥ ... showing a Heart stop!(having previously denied 4 Hearts, this must be showing a stop). You will now bid 3♠ confirming hand as 6/5.
2) 2NT....showing values in other 2 suits. You STILL would bid 3 ♠ over this bid.
3) 3 ♠ This is the important bid to understand. This will show 3 spades only, having already denied 4 spades. You will bid 4♠ .
4) 4♦ .. This shows 4 card support and no more than 2 spades. You would cue bid Hearts now. A slam can still be on
With only 6/7 points
5) 3♦ .. showing 3-card diamond support. MAY have 3 spades, but will be poor in quality
6) 3♠ showing 3-card spade support BUT denying 3 diamonds.
This is all clear logic right?
The correct bid over 3 ♦ with the hand is to pass KNOWING partner has 3 card Diamond support.
Why not make another try?
Answer is that it would be fraught with danger to go on. Bearing in mind the choice of 6 possible bids, partner has made bid number 5.
If he DOES have 3 spades, he will also have 3 diamonds so there is a very real chance of Diamond ruffs.
Do not look for tops, settle for a good part score contract.
