THE ACES ON BRIDGE
Dear Mr. wolff:
My partner and I had a disagreement about whether a double was for takeout or penalties. Holding ♠ A-4-3-2,
♥ Q-4, ♦ Q-5-4, ♣ 9 7-6-4, I heard my LHO open one diamond. My partner doubled, and when my RHO bid one heart, I doubled, believing it to be negative. Was that wrong? -- Accentuate the negative, Trenton,
n.J.
AnswEr: In this sequence a double of one heart is penalties, not takeout. With an unbid major, as here, you simply bid that suit yourself. However, by contrast, if the opponents had bid and raised the same suit, the double would have been takeout.
Dear Mr. wolff:
In today’s Texarkana Gazette, a player in fourth seat held ♠ Q-7-6-3, ♥ K-7-2, ♦ K-5, ♣ Q-10-9-4. He heard one diamond on his left, one heart from his partner, and a negative double to his right. You mentioned the options of a cue-bid or raising to twohearts with a weak 10-point hand. But might you pass, forcing the opponent to bid, thus helping you judge how far to go on the next round? -- walter the walrus, Texarkana,
Texas
AnswEr: In general, support with support, and only pass and back in with one of two hand-types: those too weak to raise immediately and those with adequate HCP but weak or shor t trumps. With values and support, don’t delay in showing partner, since that helps him judge much better what to do. Walking the dog with huge support might work occasionally -- but not here. A redouble would show a good hand, though probably less in hearts than here.
Dear Mr. wolff:
Is it ever possible to pass a demand bid of two clubs? I held four small clubs, and three cards in the other suits, with just one queen. The problem in our group is that some are opening two clubs with just 19 points. -- chickening out, raleigh,
n.c.
AnswEr: Alas, you can’t break discipline and make a gambling bid to play a 30 fit, then use the excuse, “You didn’t have your bid last time.” Trust partner till you know something is wrong - - and you don’t yet know it on this hand. Remember, the two-club opening does not show clubs -- just a strong hand with any suit or strong balanced. Respond two diamonds with little or nothing, after which any suit-call from partner is still forcing for one round. In fact, it is hard to stay out of game, even with a Yarborough!