Dubious Logic

In Passing

A few recent hands and thoughts have coalesced around the changes that occur when a player passes. Even very simple auctions need some clarification:

Is South's bid forcing, limited as it is? What about a one spade response? In a standard system, where a 1NT response is limited to 9 HCP, there is no convenient way for a passed-hand to show 10-11 HCP, even with support. That suggests that a passed-hand two-over-one response should remain a one-round force. What about a response at the one-level?

Certainly, in strong no-trump methods, it is common for North to pass South's one spade in the situation above. That always shows three spades – a doubleton is self-defeating and South is owed a 'courtesy raise' with four – and weak no-trump values. But when a 1NT opening shows a weak no-trump, can North have one? I think so; if North has opened to direct a good lead, say Qxx AKJ10x xx Jxx, he is allowed to pass one spade.

There are several scenarios where normal interpretations of the subsequent auction are impossible, usually because the same action by an unpassed hand would be strong. For example:

South cannot have the 16+ HCP usually associated with responder's jump-shift. Once South would have a good club suit and almost an opening bid but those days are long gone. Nowadays the most common usage is that it shows four-card support for opener, five-plus in the named suit and values for the three-level – a fit-jump. Bids that express a fit are safe; they cater for opener's light action in third seat and put opener in control.

This situation is similar to,

Here all South's strong hands begin with redouble and newcomers are taught that balanced strength-showing no-trump bids – 2NT and 3NT – instead show raises of opener's suit. What then of jump-shifts? It is not impossible for South to have the requirements for a strong jump-shift but the likelihood is remote once East doubles. Using fit-jumps here has much greater utility.

It is easier on the memory to align your agreements; no strong jump-shifts in competition or by a passed hand. Using the same treatment in several situations means you gain experience of the requirements as well. A similar alignment arises here:

1. West

   North

   East

   South

   —

   —

   1NT [15-17]

   X*
2. West

   North

   East

   South

   —

   —

   —

   Pass

   1NT [12-14]

   Pass

   Pass

   X*

If you play a non-penalty double of a strong no-trump (and it certainly makes the game more fun) you should use that treatment for a passed-hand double of a weak no-trump as well.

These doubles should describe a hand-type you cannot show with your other bids over 1NT. Typically, both two clubs and two diamonds are used artificially so double to show an overcall in a minor is an option. Also, given an existing way to show long majors, four-major with a longer-minor is an attractive alternative – but you will have to prepare well to make sure you find your best fit if opponents show strength. Nevertheless, at pairs and especially with neither side vulnerable, it really pays to compete in the auctions above.

Published Saturday 13.Jun.2020