Some Problems from the Vegas nationals: Answers

Today's Panelists: Barry Rigal, David Caprera, Chris Willenken, Mike Shuster, Kenneth Rexford, Kent Hartman, Mark Bartusek, Len Vishnevsky

Favorable, IMPs, you hold
AKQxx xxxx xxx x

LHO CHO RHO You

2! Pass 2! 2

3 4 4 Pass

Pass 4 5 ?

2/2 was Precision.

BARRY
5. Maybe I'm a sucker but I think I'm being asked to save and I have the perfect or near perfect shape.
DAVIDC
I can't imagine bidding.
CHRIS
Pass. If partner has a heart void (as seems highly likely), he should bid 5 himself when I don't double 5.
MIKE
Pass. Partner is probably 3064, but I'm not sufficiently confident that we will beat this that I would double ["not sufficiently confident?" I think they are making at least 90% of the time! --Jeff], and I don't want to discourage a 5 bid by doubling. 4 was not forcing, so however partner is operating, he is on his own. [4 was maybe not forcing, but it was also not doubled, either, and there's prima facie evidence that it was intended as a fit bid. --Jeff]
KENNETH
Pass. Partner has a void in hearts, presumably, [Nope. --Jeff] and also length in clubs of some variety. [Didn't partner bid diamonds, not clubs? --Jeff] He should be able to work out that I must have some length of no particular interest in hearts [How? Can't the opponents have gobs of hearts? --Jeff] and shortness in clubs, [Why not shortness in diamonds? --Jeff] for my bid in the face of all of this bidding. He should probably also work out that my spades are solid. Thus, I feel that he will decide what to do correctly if I pass here. [I'm impressed. You have brilliant partners. This hand's real partner had no clue that you had overcalled on a 9-count. --Jeff]
KENT
Pass. Not sure whose hand this is. I'm willing to let them have it at the 5-level.
MARK
5. This could be a phantom sacrifice, but I'll play safe and bid one more knowing that I'll either go down 1 or 2.
LEN
5. Looks like a good sac/(makethemguessbid). If pard has stray club defense, that's his business.
JEFF AT THE TABLE
Wasn't there.
WINNING ACTION
Bid. Partner has xxxxx x KQJ109 xx. Nope, he does not have the expected heart void. He was trying to get you involved in the decision. Remember, he doesn't know that you have overcalled on a nine-count; from his perspective, it could be that opponents are stretching.
Actually, anything wins. The rest of the field was playing hearts from the other side and didn't find a diamond lead. Partner, of course, led one, which held them to 5, well above average!
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

5 3

Pass 6

JEFF UPON REFLECTION
I think it's clear to bid. Nothing suggests they are not making, and your double fit means that you won't be hurt badly. I think you should be bidding in front of partner for two reasons: 1) he has no idea that you have such a weak hand, and 2) his 4, then 4 sequence authorizes you to act at the five level. If he didn't want you bidding on a hand like this, why did he bid 4?
Should partner save unilaterally? Maybe. At IMPs, surely; it's a no-brainer, because the IMP odds are so good. At MPs, you simply have to get it right. You may have pushed them a level higher than the field has so you get a freebie shot at beating five. Or the field may be doubling 4, in which case, bidding 5 is an automatic bad score; your only hope is to nip 5 a trick.
Is partner's sequence asking you to judge at the five-level? He obviously has enough to bid 4 on his own and he's on lead, so why is he bidding 4 instead of 4? It has to be to get cooperation in an expected 5-level decision. I think this is a pretty clear non-jump fit bid auction. I am willing to buy that 4 isn't necessarily a fit bid, but once partner bids 4, now we know that this is what partner planned. In response to fit bids, pass doesn't mean I don't know. It means I suggest we defend, but not strongly enough to double. Here, if partner is suggesting saving in 5, you should feel strongly that it is the right thing to do. A danger is that they may take the push to 6 and make it, but let's burn that bridge when we come to it.
None vul, MPs, you hold
9xxxx AJx J9xx x

Partner You

1 1

3 ?

BARRY
5. Maybe I'm taking too unilateral an approach for our side but I'm not sure the 5-3 spade fit is likely to be right all that often. Since slam is not likely to be in the picture I'll settle for simplicity.
DAVIDC
5. Matchpoints be damned, I am looking at 5/6 as the target, not 3NT. If I bid 3 and partner pref's to spades, I will never get my value for 's off my chest. Partner will have to guess about the holding but I need to have some values to bid 5. [Values? Where? --Jeff]
CHRIS
5. Slam is possible, but I don't know how to reach it intelligently. I won't bid 3 and pass 3NT, as partner could easily hold e.g. x Kxx AKQxxx QJx or x Kx AQTxxxx AJx.
MIKE
5. This takes care of two of the three most important features of the hand — club shortness and primary diamonds. That my ace is in hearts rather than spades is rather less relevant than that I do have an ace. 3 won't get the club shortness or diamond support across properly. At least this way, partner will know to bid slam with x KQx AKxxxx Axx.
KENNETH
4 [Forcing or not? --Jeff]
KENT
Pass, trying to protect a plus. I know the hand. Against us, Delmonte rebid 3NT instead of 3 and Demuy raised to 4. They wound up in 6, which is frigid, and we scored 1 on a 25 top.
MARK
5. Game should make most of the time, and I don't really have a way of inviting game with partner knowing which of his values are working.
LEN
3NT. 10x xx AKxxxxx Ax rolls.
JEFF AT THE TABLE
Pass. A blunder.
WINNING ACTION
5 will do it. Partner has x Kx AKQ10xx Axxx.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 2

3NT 1

4 1

5 2

5 3

A bit more than half drove to 5, which seems sensible to me.
JEFF UPON REFLECTION
Well, is 4 forcing or not? If so, it's not a bad idea, though 5 seems more descriptive. 5 does seem a bit much on a 6-count with not much shape.
I'd've bid 2 with partner's hand, not 3. Then, over, 2, bid 3. Now you have a game drive and a slam try for certain. Yeah, you might not make it vs. xx x AKQxxx KQJx, but you have to go for it.
On the actual auction, couldn't partner have Qx xx AKQxxx AKx? You can't even make game vs. that prime 18-count and partner will love his hand, thinking the Q is gold. Yeah, some would open 2NT, but 1...3 seems normal. If it's too good, make the K the Q.
Both red, IMPs, you hold
KQx KJxx J8xxx x

Partner You

1 1

2 ?

BARRY
[Pass] Style issue here; playing mini-splinters and three-card raises with some regularity, I think pass is indicated but I respect the right of others to bid on. Not my style though.
DAVIDC
2NT. One round force. I will respect partner's signoff (but I tend to open lighter than most.)
CHRIS
Abstain. I would have bid 1 for this reason. [Partner rebids 1NT over 1. --Jeff] ... I'd bid 2-2-2 (assuming 2-way checkback applies). That way, I show my values, but I don't get past 2 unless pard has extras or an unbalanced hand. [Or no fit for hearts. --Jeff]
MIKE
3. 7 losers is a lot to expect partner to cover, but we will usually be safe at 3 and game will most depend on partner's diamond holding. Many useful minimums with wastage offer good play for game, such as xxx AQxx KQx Qxx. If partner holds such a hand and you try 2, I would expect partner to sign off in 3 and not countertry with 3 because the spade holding is so bad as to demand a signoff.
KENNETH
4. No slam, and game looks fair. May be anti-percentage but better if I blast.
KENT
Pass. I could miss a cold game, and could also go for 800 in three. Playing weak NT, I'd make a try. [I think Kent means that playing weak NTs, partner never raises on 3, and if partner here never raised on 3, he'd try. --Jeff] Second choice is 2.
MARK
If 2 was a Robinson game/slam try asking partner to describe his heart length and strength, then it would be perfect. Otherwise, it's a guess. Both 2NT NF and a help-suit game try of 3 could work. Hmmm....I'll try 3.
LEN
[2] Game is good opposite something like Axxx Axxx x Axxx so I suppose a natural 2 (or some artificial equivalent) is in order.
JEFF AT THE TABLE
Pass
WINNING ACTION
Most bids. Partner has A9xx A109x A10 xxx. If you try 2, he'll raise, of course. If you try 3, he'll love his hand. 2NT is less clear, though he should at least make a counter-try with 3, which you'll accept.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 3

2 1

2NT 1

3 2

4 1

JEFF UPON REFLECTION
In general, if some bid game and some pass, an invitation is about right. If I invite, it'll be with 3, since that's what I need. 2 is wrong; partner will bid 3S with four of them and three hearts even with a minimum hand, thinking game in the 4-4 is better than partscore in the 4-3.
This time, a 3 invite is perfect for partner. I agree, however, with Barry about style. If partner could have bid 3 with Axxx AQxx x Axxx, that's a reason not to move. Or if he raises a lot with 3, inviting will generate a minus way too often.
I think Chris' sequence is clever. I'll have to tell partners about it.
None vul, MPs, you hold
xx 9xxxx J10987 x

CHO RHO You LHO

2 3 Dbl! Pass

4 Pass ?

Dbl is a double negative.

BARRY
5. Tempting to do a whole bunch of things but since I would not like to be faced with a 5 call I won't load it on partner.
DAVIDC
5 with no strong conviction.
CHRIS
5 with an understanding partner—how can I have a double negative which is pulling to its own suit at the five level? [How does partner know you don't have a void? --Jeff] If he's not sure what to do, he bids 5. I can hardly have a prime card for my double negative, so I'd bid slam with a void.
MIKE
5. Despite MP scoring, I issue a general try. Any needed diamond finesse rates to win and this hand is far better than parter could possibly expect.
KENNETH
Pass
KENT
Memo to discuss this auction type with all partners. I'll bid 5, and hope that partner takes it as some sort of cue for hearts. Pass may be a winner if 5 is a cheap save.
MARK
Pass. There are clearly hands where 5 won't make.
LEN
5. 5 is not natural, it has to be a heart fit with club shortness.
JEFF AT THE TABLE
5
WINNING ACTION
Should be anything. Partner is missing two aces and won't bid slam.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 2

5 4

5 3

JEFF UPON REFLECTION
Inviting seems clear. The only question is will partner think you have to have a void to bid 5, particularly if he's looking at the AKQ. He'll know you have no aces or kings and no trump queen and yet you are bidding to the 5-level. I would not fault a partner who didn't check back with 5 to make sure you don't have a stiff; 5 is more clearly that in theory than in practice.
So upon reflection, I like 5. Yeah, it might be important to show the club control, but probably not. Most likely, if we are making slam, partner has AKA in the blacks, so your shape there is irrelevant.
None vul, MPs, you hold
KQ9x Kxx QJxx KJ
RHO opens 2 (weak).

BARRY
Pass; you cannot be serious; yes you could.... bidding could easily be right I admit but I can't do it. I'd like partner to take my bid seriously next time.
DAVIDC
2NT. What's the problem? Weak stopper, no aces, 4 card spade suit, minimum values.
CHRIS
Dbl. 2NT is possible at pairs.
MIKE
Dbl. My stuff is too slow and lacks tricks for 2NT, and I have adequate support for the unbid suits.
KENNETH
2NT. Leave me alone.
KENT
2NT. Not thrilled, but if I pass and LHO raises to 3, we could miss a frigid 4.
MARK
Double. Much safer than a trashy 2NT overcall.
LEN
Pass
JEFF AT THE TABLE
Wasn't there, but when partner passed, he was shocked to hear that I'd act. Then again, I sort of tricked him. He said, "2NT is absurd." I said, "I'd act." "No, you wouldn't! 2NT is ri-DIC-ulous!" "How about double?"
WINNING ACTION
Not passing. Partner has a 3334 13-count with Qxx. If you pass, he'll pass. You beat 2, but with 28 HCP, that doesn't score very well.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 2

Double 4

2NT 3

JEFF UPON REFLECTION
No change. 2NT is horrible. It's not just that the hand is out of range (this is not a strong NT), but that the heart stopper is the wrong kind; it can't be held up, and it really wants to play from partner's side.
I actually asked some of the panelists if they'd bid with my hand in balancing seat. All thought that was silly. I did until Vegas. In a KO match against the Vanderbilt winners, an opponent balanced with 2NT over 2 with 10xxx Kx Axx KQJx. He bought Jx AJxxx Q10x Axx. Hearts were 3-3 offside (opener had AKQxxx) and 3NT could not be beaten. Needless to say, that wasn't a push.
Both vul, MPs, you hold
QJxxx A10x xx Q10x

CHO RHO You LHO

2 Pass ?

BARRY
3. Not sure why but it always seems to be the right thing to do. (Stops LHO from bidding a minor and he can't double without spades.)
DAVIDC
3, maybe partner can hold it to -200.
CHRIS
3. WTP? [Doesn't it rate to go for 200 when then have no game or won't bid one? --Jeff] As against that, we might take a down-1 save or goad them too high. If you only bid when you suspect that the opponents have a better spot, that's an exploitable tendency.
MIKE
Pass. Looks like a misprint. Since I have spades and moderate strength, we have a pretty good chance of buying it here. Besides, 3 unmolested may be conceding an easy 200 anyway. I'll sell to the opponents if they compete.
KENNETH
Pass, With that many spades, we may buy it.
KENT
Pass. Not sure what they're making, and 3 looks like a route to -200.
MARK
Pass. Hopefully the opponents won't balance due to insufficient spade length. 2 could easily be the limit of the hand.
LEN
Pass. Eight tricks could easily be the limit of the hand. I can bid 3 later, if necessary.
JEFF AT THE TABLE
Pass
WINNING ACTION
3. Partner had a 6-4 10-count (I would have opened 1 and don't think it at all close), and 3 rolls. When I passed, however, RHO bid 3, got raised to 4, and we were -140.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 6

3 3

JEFF UPON REFLECTION
Beats me. I think this is closer than the vote or the comments (usually confident one way or the other!) indicate.
Both vul, IMPs, you hold
Ax AK87x Kx xxxx

CHO RHO You LHO

Pass Pass 1 Dbl

Rdbl 1 Pass Pass

2 Pass ?

BARRY
2. Going to game, but 3NT by partner could be right I suppose. Likely to play 4 though unless partner insists. Not close to stopping short of game withese controls and this pattern — can cope with some 4-1 hearts too.
DAVIDC
3. Bidding where my strength is.
CHRIS
2NT. Should be forcing 1 round—the chance of wanting to play exactly 2NT with eight hearts is small compared to the gain of having an investigatory 2NT available. [Chris is driving to game. --Jeff]
MIKE
2NT. I assume this is forcing. If the opponents have 9 spades, this might be better from partner's side, but neither 3 nor 3 is particularly descriptive. [Mike is driving to game. --Jeff]
KENNETH
I would have opened 1NT.
Now, I assume that partner has something like Qx in support and a 10-11 count. He does not want to suggest defense against 1, and he does not want to bid 1NT. I think he has 3244 shape with three small spades. He needs 8 more in the minors. Something like AQ Q would make a likely hand xxx Qx Qxxx AQxx. Opposite that, 3 would be in jeopardy. So, I pass. [Something seems wrong. You think your hand is worth a strong NT and partner has 10-11 yet you don't even invite game? --Jeff]
KENT
Pass. Lots of losers on a probable 5-2 fit with looming bad trump breaks.
MARK
4. Excellent honor structure, and partner's potential Club honors rate to be working behind the take-out doubler. I admit that a 3 help suit game try might be preferable.
LEN
2NT
JEFF AT THE TABLE
3.
WINNING ACTION
Drive to game. Partner had Qxxx 109x QJ10x Ax. He rejected without counter-trying in diamonds, and I passed 3.
CONSENSUS

Action Votes

Pass 2

2 1

2NT 3

3 2

4 1

Again, when some pass and some bid game, inviting looks right, though the 2NT bidders are not inviting, but driving to game.
JEFF UPON REFLECTION
I'm amused that the 2NT bidders who commented felt the need to note that 2NT was forcing. Obviously, they aren't so sure all their partners think it is. If you are going to drive to game, it seems as if 2NT is clearly better than 4 (assuming it's forcing ). Hearts could easily be 5-0, particularly if partner has 4 spades. It looks as if RHO might be bidding 1S on only 3, and that suggests a lot of hearts.
Some were sure that partner has exactly 3 hearts, and some were sure he has exactly 2. This seems like a good thing for partnerships to go over. I personally think that it shows 3, because with 2 and the same values, I pass the double and then double back in ("I've Got a Secret'"). But then again, by a passed hand, I normally play Drury even after a double, so in that case, it should probably be a doubleton.
Playing 2 SAF, 2 waiting, and Kokish, does anyone play any methods after 2-2; 2-2; 3? This looks like a bad start to our auction.
Transfers maybe? Or just

3 = xfer to 3NT
3NT = heart raise
4/ = natural
4 = not much

BARRY
4 should be cue for hearts, 4 for spades? BTW, I like 2-2-2-2NT as spades .
DAVIDC
I don't. But the idea of 3 xfer to 3NT appeals to me.
CHRIS
Your method gives up on showing spades! In my prefered methods, 2-2 denies five spades, with 2-2 showing five spades and 2-2 as a positive in any suit other than spades. An alternative is to play transfer rebids by opener: 3 shows diamonds, 3 is a one-suiter, 3 shows spades, and all higher bids are pattern bids with clubs. [I don't like transfer rebids by opener; they make the wrong hand play it too often. --Jeff]
JEFF UPON REFLECTION
No one plays methods here. Odd. Natural doesn't work very well. Several have dumped simple Kokish and are experimenting with alternatives. I excerpted a few of the simpler ones.

Jeff Goldsmith, jeff@gg.caltech.edu, Aug. 11, 2008

LHO	CHO	RHO	You
2!	Pass	2!	2
3	4	4	Pass
Pass	4	5	?

Partner	You
1	1
3	?

Partner	You
1	1
2	?

CHO	RHO	You	LHO
2	3	Dbl!	Pass
4	Pass	?