2008-02-14 07:33

Hand Evaluation – 3♦ SJS

PITBULLS:

A 3♦ strong jump shift by definition , can only occur after a major opener. This means that the forcing NT plays a huge part with that specific auction. A spade response to a heart opener is the only other auction where a 3♦ SJS can happen. Lets discuss the forcing NT sequences first after a spade opener. A 3♦ SJS can specifically only occur after a forcing NT with a spade opener.

A spade opener & a forcing NT brings in some other factors like a 2NT rebid being forcing. If your diamonds are not very good , a 2NT rebid should be chosen instead of a strong jump shift. ♠AKxxx ♥Kx ♦AJxx ♣Kx is a 2NT bid rather than a 3♦ SJS. If partner has a good hand in diamonds which you would need for a diamond slam , anyway , she will bid diamonds over 2NT. If you have a 5-4-3-1 with diamonds , again it depends how strong your diamonds are. A 2NT rebid still might be the best bid with that hand also . An exception would be a very good 4 card diamond suit which in effect you are “promoting” to a 5 card diamond suit . ♠AKxxx ♥x ♦AKJ10 ♣Kxx would be a 3♦ rebid.

The above “forcing 2NT” concept means that a 3♦ SJS should have 5 diamonds or 4 good diamonds that you are promoting to 5 card status . After a 1♥ opener & a forcing NT you have a luxury where you do not need to bid 2NT with 4♦ & a strong jump shift. You can reverse to 2♠ & partner is forced to relay to 2NT. You bid 3♦ & you have shown a 4 card SJS as opposed to a 5 card diamond suit you would bid with a direct 3♦ bid. This understanding allows you to lower your HCP’s for 3♦ SJS somewhat with these distributions.

The last sequence to discuss is a 1♥ opener & a spade response. We recommend that a 3♦ SJS with 3 card spade support be bid with a multi 3♣ SJS. Partner takes the relay to 3♦ & you have a trouble hand fairly well described when you bid 3♠ ♠AKx ♥AKxxx ♦AJxx ♣x . If you have a 5-4-2-2 distribution with a bad diamond suit , we recommend a 2NT rebid. If you have a 5-4-3-1 with a bad diamond suit & a stiff spade , again we recommend a 2NT rebid. If you have a good 4 card diamond suit , promote it & rebid 3♦.

The above treatments means your 3♦ SJS is a picture bid showing 5♦ or 4 good diamonds that play like a 5 card suit. These understandings means your 3♦ SJS can be based on distribution & loads of HCP’s are not needed to compensate for your lack of distribution. The bid is still forcing to game , however.