By Peter Rhead
Respond to partner’s 1NT with only one point
First, a cleanup! Thanks to one of our readers who commented on stolen bids as follows:
Reader writes:
I’m not a beginner…coming up on my silver LM, so appreciate your problem in writing the column. Obviously you are targeting relative beginners but ‘stolen’ can be tricky and I don’t want you to make it too simple. Partnership agreement is critical.
Frankly, I prefer that any bid over interference (other than a double) is natural, to play, and showing values…the NT opener can take it from there.
The concept of stolen bids is an interesting one but I think you are being too simplistic. How about a column on where the bidding has gone (eg.) 1 NT, 2 spades by your RHO and you wanted to transfer to hearts? Now what ….do you bid 3D (transfer) or 3 H ??
My reply:
Reader, Thanks for your input. I did not make it clear that if the double cannot achieve your intent then you resort to your partnership agreement. It may be one of your examples or some other agreement. I like 3D (transfer to Hearts).
As we wrote recently, “strange things can happen in Bridge”.
Now on to today’s column:
Your partner opens 1NT. You have a bust hand—only one point, but you might still have a bid. Do not give up too quickly. Say you have five Spades and no other points. You have one length point for the fifth Spade. With that one point you should transfer to Spades—yes, transfer. Then you PASS when 1NT opening partner completes the transfer. Partner does not know that you have a bust hand but he will be happier playing Two Spades with a seven-card fit than playing 1NT from one side of the board.
Guideline One: With a bust hand and with five cards or better in a major, bid the transfer to the major.
Guideline Two: You need seven cards in the minors to transfer with a bust hand. You are a level higher and the minors are not worth the risk with only six cards.
Next Week: Examples of your responses with a bust hand after 1NT opening by partner.
Remember, as we all fight COVID-19 with social isolation, if you want your Bridge fix, online competition is available for all skill levels. From the ACBL Bridge website, you can hook up either to play live people or to play robots. Either way you test or consolidate various Bridge skills. At ACBL.org just click on “Play Bridge” and follow the prompts for various choices.
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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