Friday, February 09, 2007 8:50 AM

Hand Evaluation – Partnership ( Default Understandings )

PITBULLS:

Unfortunately, ambiguity is allowed both in the English language & in the game of Bridge. How we figure out the meaning of the word or bid is “depending on context” . How we use the word or bid will define the meaning of the word or be clarified later in the auction ( hopefully). However, coming with the territory of this ambiguity is a concept of a default understanding.

For example, if partner bids 5NT , the default understanding is the Grand Slam Force. Next on the priority list , is the bid means “pick a slam” , next the 5NT bid could be a two suiter ( most likely the minors or else 5NT may be a Q bid showing the King of spades.

Signals are ambiguous. Depending on context or how you use the signals will reveal the meaning . However , there is a default understanding that a signal is attitude , followed by count & finally suit preference. This default understanding is what is put on your convention card & is explained if the opponents ask.

4NT with the majors defaults to KCB . However, 4NT could be Lebensohl after a double of a 4 level major , to play in an aborted minor slam try , a general two suiter or even 3 suiter T/O. The meaning will or should be clarified with the auction .

Q bids are the most ambiguous bid of all in the game of Bridge. Partner bid 3♦ in an inverted minor auction clubs agreed , so is it a suit , a Q bid or showing a stopper for NT ? The answer is all of the above. There is another Bridge basic that now comes into play. Games before slams. In other words , your initial ( default ) interpretation of a bid should be geared towards getting to the best game not a slam. You should interpret the bid as a suit or a NT stopper before a Q bid.

The forcing NT leans towards the concept of games before slams. The default understanding of a 3^rd bid by an opener is “patterning out” so not a Q bid. Partner held a hand that shows how this works beautifully. Partner opened 1♠ on ♠AKQxx ♥Axx ♦x ♣KJxx , I responded 1NT. Partner bid 2♣ so I raised to 3♣. Partner now bid 3♥ . I hold ♠x ♥KJ10xx ♦xxx ♣Qxxx so I bid 4♥ making +620. The clubs broke badly so 5♣ goes down. The opponents ask what partner’s 3♥ bid meant . With forcing NT’s , the default understanding is “patterning out” . If it were not , the Q bid going for a slam on an invitational auction ( very rare ) must be clarified by very aggressive club action later. The partnership default understanding is what is explained to the opponents though.

The default understanding for the 4 level is slam orientated. Bids are usually Q bids or Ace asking.

1♠-P-1NT-P

3♥-P-4♦ is a Q bid in support of hearts. This is your default understanding when the opponents asks the question.