Contested Auctions
Board 3 from Wednesday 16/08/2017. Dealer S EW Vul
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54
AT3
KJ9
AJ732This deal provides a number of instructive problems for the newer and advanced player.
North has two options for the opening bid, a weak 1NT or a natural 1C. Some Norths might open 1NT if they are the more aggressive types: get in there and take some space from opponents with a 1NT opening bid. That was one of the main reasons why the weak 1NT was first introduced into bridge. It is the cornerstone of Acol. After 1NT from North, East can either meekly roll over and pass, or decide to compete.
A hand like East's, with that shape and point count, should certainly compete, despite the dangers presented by the vulnerability. So, East might bid 2S and get lucky and find West with today's hand. But what if West had no spades and four or five hearts? That is one of the main reasons why it is necessary to have an agreed system for overcalling 1NT, and one that has a way to show two suits, especially if they are the major suits.
There are many such systems but I won't discuss them now. Options will be covered in my next book, “Start Winning”. Those Easts who passed 1NT were being simply far too cautious.
Now let's take a look at what might happen if North opens 1C, as many Norths might do. East might overcall 1S and South raise clubs. West might decide that East must have a good overcall being vulnerable, and jump to 3S. That will not tempt East to bid game and 3S should be the end result.
Another possibility is that East, having learnt about takeout doubles, doubles the 1C opening bid. When South raises to 2C, what should West do? Or if South raises to 3C when East doubles? This is the “Truscott” convention where a jump to 3C after a double of 1C shows a weaker hand than normal.
The answer in both cases is “Double”. This double is slightly different to the normal takeout double and is known as a 'responsive' double and shows tolerance for both majors at the level that the double is made at. Perfect for West but you need to understand and appreciate what it means before you do it.
Much more on such situations in my next book which is aimed at new players. “Start Winning” should be available for readers to peruse over the coming Christmas holiday break.
