Using 3NT as a cue bid to deny clubs

[Guest Jlall]

Sure. Assuming MP, I would try 3N with:

 

Ax

AKQxxx

Kx

Qxx

 

KQT

Qxxxx

AJx

AQ

 

AQx

Kxxxxx

KJ

KT

 

are some examples. There are many more but you get the jist. I would always expect partner to pull with a stiff.

[Walddk]

Yes, ArcLight, I am sure I have more experience with mixed cue bids (Italian school) than you, and there is no doubt in my mind what the best approach is. If you must have the ace for your first cue bid, how can responder know that it's safe to cue bid 4♦ with

 

xxx

AQxx

Axxx

xx

 

after this auction:

 

1♥ - 3♥ = limit

4♣ =cue bid, denying ♠A.

 

It's fine opposite

 

x

KJxxxx

KQx

AKx

 

But it's so wrong when opener has

 

xxx

KJxxxx

KQ

AK

 

Give opener the chance to show whether he has any kind of spade control. With the first hand he bids 3♠, with the second 4♣, indicating xx or worse in spades at the same time. This makes life so much easier. I agree completely with Richard. The Italian style is definitely better for investigating small slams, and they are obviously much more frequent than grands.

 

Besides, you know when to sign off in game when both have xx or worse in a side suit. In my second example the 5-level is too high.

 

The Italian way of cue bidding is standard for me, and let me add: it is for most top class players in North America too in 2005.

 

Roland

[mike777]

Many fine players use Italian cuebids successfully. They are great players.

I tried them years ago and it created more confusion and hassel for me. I found them very complicated, draining and resulted in a few poor results that lost whatever theoretical advantage there was in using them. With that said try them, if they work for you great.

 

At the risk of bringing the LTC haters out.

 

In your example hands, if pard can make a slam try with my 10-11 hcp limit raise, I really like my hand 7.5 loser hand I am cuebidding A of D.

Hand one =5-1=4 loser hand 24-8-4=12 tricks make a slam try.

Hand two =6-1=5 loser hand,,,maybe 5-6 loser with that KQ tight. In any case too many losers for slam try.

 

Using FTL hand one:

13-3+2=12 tricks.

13=total tricks

3=combined 2 short suits estimate

+2=25-27 working hcp estimate

 

Hand two:

13-4+(2 or +1)=11 or 10 tricks.

13=total tricks

-4=estimated combined 2 short suits.

+2=estimated working hcp. If 22-24 working hcp because of KQ tight then +1 only

 

Note on hand two with both hands having double club you are minus 5 in Dist. not minus 4.

[P_Marlowe]

Hi,

 

I play 3NT as serious, i.e. it shows slam interest,

asking partner to cue bid.

I also play that the first cue bid shows a top honour,

i.e. the Ace or the King, ... this helps finding out,

if the hand fit.

 

In other words we use 3NT as a kind of mark time bid,

giving opener the chance to hear more about responders

hand.

 

With kind regards

Marlowe

[Guest Jlall]

I understand serious 3N when both hands are unlimited as in the auction 1S-2C-2S-3S, but when one hand is limited does it really make sense? If you don't have a "serious" slam try opposite a LR then you should just bid 4M right? It seems like all slam tries would be "serious"