All In One – Lesson 8

Answers

#29 - Since Blackwood may not give you an answer that helps it is not the right question (if partner indicates one ace and it turns out to the A you are down one). High level cue bids are used for situations where you need to know not how many aces, but which aces specifically. That is your situation. You should bid your lowest first round control (ace or void). To skip over a suit denies first round control. You do not cue bid in the agreed trump suit. You should cue bid 4♣. If partner skips diamonds and hearts and returns to 4♠ you can confidently pass knowing you are missing the two red aces. If partner bids 4♥ showing the ♥A and denying the ♦A you can bid 6♠ . If partner bids 4♦ showing the ♦A (not yet denying the ♥A) you can continue the cue bidding sequence to see if partner can show the ♥A as well and let you bid the grand slam.

#30 - At the risk of rebuke, the proper opening bid is 1NT. If you open 1♥, what will you rebid if partner responds 1♠? A 1NT rebid describes 13-14 points and a 2NT rebid describes 18-19 points. You have 16 points. Open 1NT and describe the correct strength.

#31 - Partner’s rebid is forcing. After a reverse you are required to again. With a spade fit your hand is worth 21 points. With 19-21 you should rebid 4

#32 - Your concern should be the opponents cashing two quick diamond winners. Partner has denied holding the ♦A and shown the ♥A (or void, but unlikely). If partner holds the ♦K or a singleton diamond (second round control) then slam is still 50% and a reasonable bet. To continue bid 5♦ showing second round control (first having already been shown). Partner will bid 5♦ with second round control of diamonds (having already denied having first round control). You can then signoff in 5♠ or 6♠ depending upon the information.

#33 - An eleven point balanced hand does not make an opening bid and you should never open in first or second chair with this hand. However, after two passes one of two things is likely true. First, it is possible that all four hands are in the 9-11 point range in which case the side that gets into the auction first has a slight edge on winning the partscore battle. Second, LHO may have a big hand and is anxious to jump into the bidding. In either case your hand meets all of the requirements for a light opening in third chair. You have a good quality suit that you would like partner to lead if the opponents win the auction and you have a tolerance for playing in any suit in which partner responds (so you can pass). In this situation you should open 1♥. I hear at least a few gasps out there, “What? With a four card suit? I play five card majors!” Not withstanding you should open 1♥. If partner raises that is fine, if not partner will at least lead the correct suit. It is almost impossible for the opponents to double you, so the risk is negligible.

#34 - Partner has described a reverse with longer diamonds than hearts and at least a medium strength opening hand. With the diamond fit the defensive contribution from partner should be 3 to 3½ tricks. With your 4 defensive tricks you should defeat 2♠ by 2 or 3 tricks. With no guarantee of game you should double for penalties.

#35 - At the one-level in the balancing seat a 1NT bid shows a stopper and 12-15 points. This is a minimum but you should bid 1NT.

#36 - With 11 to 12 points as responder you should make an invitational bid by bidding a suit at the three-level previously bid by either member of the partnership. The proper rebid is 3♥ with your six card suit.