The Power of Shape

As has been said so often, not just by me, it is not always the POINTS that matter. Distribution and fit are also of huge importance in evaluating the potential of any hand you are dealt. Take the South hand.

Board 11 Dealer S Nil Vul From Wednesday 10/09/2017

	T8 AQT K765 K962
K63 K7 JT932 J87		754 96 AQ8 AQT53
	AQJ92 J85432 4 4

Would you consider opening it first in hand? Only 8 high card points, so hardly enough to open the bidding? But taking into consideration the distribution, it comes very close to an opening bid. The general rule is to count singletons for two points, so doing that, the eight count becomes worth a twelve. Would you open with a TWELVE count? This is an extreme example, and no, I don't think the hand should be opened. Nor should it be opened with any sort of preempt, whatever preemptive methods you use. So, for the time being, pass is in order.

As it happens, North opens a weak 1NT. After that there are a number of ways to get to the right game. Or, South can simply jump to 4H, knowing that North has at least two hearts for a 1NT opening bid. The best way is to bid a FORCING 3S and when North bids 3NT, now bid 4H, giving opener a choice of two suits for game. Of course South at that stage should KNOW that North has at least three hearts, because North bid 3NT over South's forcing 3S. A jump to 3H or 3S when partner opens 1NT should show exactly a FIVE card suit and ask opener to bid four with three or four card support, or 3NT with only two cards in the suit. That means three cards in the other suit you have. I hope that is logical and understandable. If you play transfers, just bid 2H as a transfer to spades and when partner bids 2S as asked, now jump to 4H, which should also be clear enough.

Another factor could come in to consideration: East might overcall 1NT with a bid of 2C. Very few people play a bid of 2C over a 1NT opening as natural, since it is inefficient, but if an opponent does do that, then maybe a simple jump to 4H will work out well most of the time.

One final comment: I noted a number of Wests at the Hutt club leading a low spade against 4H by South. A very risky opening lead, and the JACK OF DIAMONDS is much more sensible, not just because we can see all the hands.