Obvious Shift

[jmcw]

If you play obvious shift at trick 1, then is the obvious shift:

1. asking to play the obvious shift suit.

or

2. indicating you have A or K (or Q behind Axx) in the obvious shift suit.

 

I play method 2. If I have A or K in the obvious shift and a void in the non-obvious shift and wanting a ruff there then I still have to signal the obvious shift.

 

(Is it obvious switch or obvious shift?)

My friend explained it like this. Carding at trick 1 shows attitude pertaining to the Obvious suit, talking this into account, you are better placed to formulate the ENTIRE strategy for the hand. I believe this to mean that switching to the Obvious suit is by no means automatic. Subsequent, carding will be more likely to clarify the original signal in a broader context.