The Unusual No-trump (3)
To round off the theme of the unusual no-trump, I'd just like to identify a few counter measures against it. There's no doubt that an auction that starts with your side opening and the next hand bidding a space consuming two no-trumps will pose you difficulties; you may have a fit and have a wide range of values, you may have the fourth suit, you may fancy your chances at a penalty. To give you some chance of negotiating your way through these possibilities here are a few concrete suggestions.
Let's assume the auction starts one heart or spade from your side then two no-trump:
| Double | "Lets try and take a penalty" |
| 3♣ | The unbid major. As we'll see, an immediate bid is non-forcing. |
| 3♦ | A raise of partner's suit to the 3 level or better. |
| 3Major | A stretched raise, non-forcing. |
| 3Other | Natural, non-forcing bid. |
| 3NT | Four card support for partner, balanced hand, game values. |
| 4minor | Shortage in the named suit, support for partner. |
| 4Major | Pre-emptive (but not absurdly risky). |
| 4Other | A good suit and some values, not interested in other strains |
Some things should strike you from the scheme above. The two non forcing calls of 3♥ and 3♠ – irrespective of which suit was opened – are important because there's a distinct risk you can be manoeuvred out of your fit if you fail to act immediately. There is every likelihood that opponents with push the level further, jumping to 4♣/(, if they have a few useful cards in the minors. It will be foolish to trust them of course and it will be more difficult for you to later than now.
Recognising that there is likely to be further bidding is important when you have a fit. In order to judge whether the opponents can take quick tricks at the five or six level, you should show shortness in their suits. Hence the four minor response (a splinter bid is the jargon) and the 3NT bid denying it. You're also using the opponent's suits at the three level to distinguish between good and bad raises. So consider some hands; let's say the auction starts:
| ♠ K102 | You'd normally bid just 2♠ but here you'll have | |||
| ♥ A8752 | to stretch and bid three – this is about a minimum | |||
| ♦ 1093 | ||||
| ♣ 72 | ||||
| ♠ 1092 | A bit better and now you can show your raise | |||
| ♥ KJ752 | by the 3♦ cue bid. You don't have the strength to | |||
| ♦ AQ | get hearts in the picture. If all partner can do is | |||
| ♣ 762 | convert to 3♠, let it lie. | |||
| ♠ A6 | 3♥ wouldn't be forcing but you can bid 3♣. Maybe | |||
| ♥ AJ752 | if partner really likes hearts he can bid 3♦ (showing | |||
| ♦ AQ | why it's important to have the extra room for non-fit | |||
| ♣ 762 | auctions) | |||
If your system isn't five-card majors then you may feel a little uncomfortable on some of those hands. Playing a weak no-trump – meaning partner's major is either five cards or has extra values – you have to hope that a three to an honour will be sufficient some of the time. If you don't fancy that (perhaps the middle hand above) then you may have to start with a double. If the opponents are suitably cowed, you have the chance to show your support next time around - but against fearless bidders, you may struggle.
So, don't let them walk over you with their unusual no-trump. Don't be afraid to support your partner. In a regular partnership – even once month at the local club – adopt some counter measures. You don't have to use these, just make sure you are on the same page.
Published Saturday 12.Aug.2006