Jump to content

Slam?


rayxxx

Recommended Posts

System ? how many diamonds is he guaranteeing etc ?

 

What I tend to do is look at the best and worst hands he can have for this, and this is somewhat style dependent on the opening bid and the raise.

 

Worst - Kxxx, AQ, Kxxx, KQJ would be pretty bad and you're basically on a finesse for 5

 

Best: - KQxx, AQx, KQxx, Kx where 6 is pretty much solid

 

This would pass my test for 5 level safety, and reasonable prospect of 6, so I'd keycard.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

[hv=pc=n&s=sjt62hk8dat9caj87&d=n&v=0&b=1&a=1dp1sp4sp?]133|200|

rayxxx asks for comments

++++++++++++++++++++++ [

 

I rate

1. 6 = NAT (Landy slam-try).

2. 4N = RKC. for s

3, 5 = CUE

4. Pass

[/hv]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We have 5 controls and what may be a very useful diamond Jack (picture KQxxx opposite), so passing is far too timid. Blasting slam is silly: Axxx AQ KQxxx Kx is a reasonable 4S call and I know of no way to find out if he has the spade 9, without which we do not want to be in slam. Yes, we can make if an opp has Hx in trump and we guess which one has that, but the slam would be against the odds (plus we can't tell that we're not off the AQ!...Kxxx AQ KQxx KJx as one layout)

 

Cuebidding won't tell us what we need to know, so even tho keycard is a grossly overused convention, it does the job here.

 

The answer won't tell us with assurance that slam is on, but it will allow us to stay out if we are off a keycard and the trump Queen.

 

Assuming we have all the keycards, I will bid slam even if off the trump Queen. If we have all the keycards and the trump queen, I still just bid the small slam.

 

We can't have 13 reasonably sure tricks even if he has all the missing keycards and the trump Queen. AKQx Ax Kxxxx Kx is the best I can come up with: a very pure hand with no wasted quacks and we need the diamond hook. Note that he is presumptively balanced or semi-balanced, since he would splinter with shortness.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome to the forums.

 

Another hand where system matters. In our 4-card major system, we open a major with 4M4m. It follows that partner is precisely 4252 shape with 19 or a gòod 18 HCPs. With a double fit we would check for aces and bid slam unless two key cards are missing.

 

I am looking for a spade slam rather than a diamond slam because (a) 4-4 fits often play better and (b) it might be necessary to shield the king of hearts from the opening lead. I am not venturing a NT slam, even at MPs (unless I need to generate a swing).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...