Tuesday, February 13, 2007 11:05 AM

Hand Evaluation - Multi 3♣ SJS

PITBULLS:

The primary purpose of the multi-purpose 3♣ strong jump shift is preserving the principle of fast arrival. There is no need now to jump to game in a major with a huge hand. The jump to game in a major shows a hand you would have pre-empted 4 of a major but you have an outside control. If you have a strong hand , you preserve bidding room by bidding 3♣.

The Goren jump rebid in a major is defined as invitational with an awkward 16-18 HCP range. This range sometimes prompted responder to really stretch & bid 3NT or game. No more , with the 3♣ multi jump shift. The top end hands are bid with a 3♣ jump , not a jump rebid in the major.

This means that the range for a jump rebid is lowered & more quality of suit orientated. Strong hands where 3NT might be a viable option are described with 3♣. ♠AKQJ10x ♥x ♦Axx ♣xxx after a 1NT response is a 3♠ rebid. Add another king so it’s a 3♣ rebid. ♠AKQJ10x ♥x ♦Axx ♣Kxx is just too strong for a 3♠ rebid. You do not want partner as responder to stretch thinking there are hands like this for a jump rebid.

I held ♠Ax ♥AQJxxxx ♦xx ♣Kx , opened 1♥ . Tom Gandolfo responded 1NT so I rebid 3♥. Tom now with the 3♣ SJS inference has an easy pass. He does not have to stretch to 3NT thinking that there is 17-18 HCP’s waiting for him. That will no longer happen playing the multi 3♣ SJS.

Do not forget that 1♠-P-1NT-P

3♥ is invitational. This means that the 1NT responder no longer has to be pushy with their heart raises. Not playing the multi 3♣ SJS , the raise to 3♥ was almost obligatory due to the ridiculous range of a 2♥ rebid. The 3♣ SJS inference keeps simple major rebids & jump rebids under control.

Recently we have modified the 3♣ SJS. If we have a diamond strong shift after a 1NT or a major response , we bid 2NT. By “breaking the relay” to 3NT after or if partner bids 3♣ , we show the ♦ jump shif with 4 cards.