Worst bid?

[kenrexford]

I don't know anyone who plays splinters as strong as East thinks they can be. Trying for grand is really an overbid.

I do.

 

With 13-15, splinter.

 

With 10-12, bid 3♣ as a multi-purpose raise. Partner bids 3♦ to ask you meaning if interested. You bid:

 

3♥ = minimal limit (about 9-10)

3♠ = 10-12 splinter (3NT asks for stiff)

3NT = control-rich (4+) maxi-limit (about 11-12)

4minor = COV maxi-limit (maybe ♠xx ♥QJxx ♦xxx ♣AKJ10?)

4♥ = control-poor (0-3) maxi-limit

 

With 7-9, bid one-under (3♦); can bid again if "big" mini-splinter, I suppose.

 

[HCP ranges approximate -- more "cover card" than HCP]

[Fluffy]

4♦ is ridicoulous IMO, but some styles might let it go.

 

4NT is clearly wrong, 4♠ stands out a mile. With minimum fitting values, you are not prepared to go on by yourself, and you lack ♣ control.

[H_KARLUK]

I am OK with 1 ♥>1♠. The idea is to see opener's range and shape with his rebid.

[karlson]

I have to admit that I learned splinters as a minimum GF with shortness. That makes it about 9-11. Admittedly responder has a bad 9, but I wouldn't call it a ridiculous overbid.

 

Playing this style, opener basically doesn't move with a minimum, even with little wasted in the splinter suit. Opposite ♠A,♣K,♥K, we still have a bit of work to make 6 (and might just have no play on a trump lead). So I think 4n was a significant overbid (and obviously so were the rest of east's bids, clearly in this style A K AK is not a splinter.

 

I am very happy to be playing tiered splinters (one way to show 9-11, another to show 12-14) in my regular partnerships.