Deciding to use HSGT

[jerdonald]

BBO forum,

Most definitions of HSGT suggest 15+ HCP by the major opener

but don't mention anything about favorable distribution.

 

If opener has the minimum and responder bids 2M with only 6 points

3M may not make.

 

Should distribution be part of the opener's decision to use HSGT

with the minimum?

 

Jerry

[mgoetze]

I would not use a HSGT with 9 HCP even if I had a very nice distribution.

[cherdano]

You should always take distribution into account when evaluating the strength of your hand. But with extreme distributions - say, 5-5 or 6-4, it may often be better just to jump to 4M. If 4M goes down, often the opponents would have been able to make a contract at the 4-level (or 3S if you are playing in hearts). Plus it will be harder to defend if you don't tell opponents about your shape. Hence even playing a 25% game might be with the odds.

[ggwhiz]

But with extreme distributions - say, 5-5 or 6-4, it may often be better just to jump to 4M.

 

Information leak plays a role in helping the defense too.

 

On a variety of hands, especially when needing help in 1 of 2 suits we started playing that after a major is raised, 2nt asks you to bid suits you would accept a hsgt on (high card wise) up the line. Doesn't sell the opening lead very often and tells them nothing they won't see when the dummy hits.

[lycier]

Most definitions of HSGT suggest 15+ HCP by the major opener but don't mention anything about favorable distribution. Should distribution be part of the opener's decision to use HSGT with the minimum?   

 

Of course,the 15+hcp hand means that you have extra values in the hand and have ability to make HSGT,but you must take distribution and suits quality (especially trumph quality) into account.

 

  If opener has the minimum and responder bids 2M with only 6 points 3M may not make.

If opener really can't make 3M ,I think responder should be responsible for some of the blame.

For example :

Responder hold :♠XXX, ♥Axxx,♦Qxx, ♣xxx

After opening 1♠,responder should bid forcing 1nt instead of 2♠ ,even we usually say 2M=6-9hcp (or 6-10hcp).

I think 2M responding should promise that responder can afford HSGT by opener.