2007-09-14 22:53

Hand Evaluation - Equal Level Conversion ( Balancing )

 

PITBULLS:

 

Equal level conversion is a must in the balancing chair & playing negative doubles. Especially against suicide weak twos , you bend over backwards to double in the balancing spot with defense measured in quick tricks in order to catch them speeding. However , what if they escape ,  you have to scramble to the best spot. Equal level conversion is in effect scrambling to your best fit. If you switch suits at the same level , it is saying simply , I do not have your suit nor do I have extra. Equal level conversion is necessary playing negative double theory when your re-opening doubles are also off shape to catch speeders.

 

            Kiz Fung brought up a good point playing equal level conversion in the balancing spot. For the purpose of equal level conversion any bid over NT at the higher level is considered “equal level” conversion. The auction goes

 

1♥-P-P-X

P-1NT-P-?   any bid at the two level is to play , not showing extra. You jump or Q bid to show a good hand. You are just improving the 1NT partial after a balancing bid ( scrambling ) . Kiz actually held ♠AJxxx ♥Kx ♦KQx ♣Axx so a 2NT raise is warranted. Bid NT with balanced hands.  Partner bids 3NT with ♠Qx ♥J987 ♦Jx ♣KQJxx . There is no reason to try for a major suit game , as there may be danger of heart ruffs or a 10 trick game may be just too high . If partner has soft values in hearts as advertised ♥Q10xx or ♥QJxx you want to be in 3NT anyway.

 

I had a hand with Tom in Pentiction , ♠Jx ♥AQxx ♦AJ9xx ♣xx & LHO opened 2♠ so around to you in the balancing seat.. You double , so partner bids 3♣ which is alerted as constructive. I passed & we went two down vul in our 4-2 club fit cold for 130 in diamonds. 330 is a lot of IMPS to waste. Minimum equal level  conversion to the rescue , so you bid 3♦ . What if you did have a diamond rock in the balancing spot ? Say ♠Jx ♥AQxx ♦AKQ10xx ♣x with the auction going the same way . You can always bid 3♠ to ask him to bid 3NT after your double & if he does not ,  bidding diamonds at the 4 level will now show this hand. Good hands take care of themselves.

 

A tormenttee & I held the same hand Thurs nite. ♠Q10xxxx ♥K1098 ♦AJ ♣x . LHO at both tables opened 1♦ vul which was passed around to the balancing seat. You have enough defense to protect partners ♦ trap if there is one , so you double. Partner makes the obvious bid of 2NT with her 14 HCP . Bidding is based on probabilities , so you bid in accordance with the average hand partner could hold for a double , not the worst hand. The cut off point for a double in the balancing chair is 10 HCP with suitable quick tricks . The Tormentee passed 2NT & a baby 4♠ game was missed. Partner will not hang you for balancing , so 1NT can be even up to a bad 11 HCP. A 2NT bid is nearing a 1NT overcall range. Once partner bids 2NT , simply bid 4♠ as partner is showing at least 2 spades with a very good hand behind the opening bidder.

 

With re-opening doubles ( negative double theory )  & balancing doubles , double to show your defensive quick tricks not your shape. Your primary objective is to protect partner’s penalty double or trap of their suit. The double is not a T/O double per se so unbid suits is not a criteria. Quick tricks are though. Since you are off shape , you need a way to “scramble” if the opponents have a fit. Enter equal level conversion. Do not rescue the opponents in these auctions by bidding anything other than a double when you hold quick tricks. You are not on their side so protect partner’s trap pass.