Saturday, September 13, 2003 9:52 PM

Hand Evaluation - Opponents Suit ( possession )

PITBULLS:

Opponents open minors on xxx & respond a major on xxxx . Sometimes opponents psyche a suit which belongs to our side . What are the standard expert agreements to re-possess these suits ? The first instinct when you bid the opponents suit is that it is a Q bid . All exceptions to a Q bid have to agreed upon by the partnership. Here are the common understandings.

1) The Sandwich position . You have doubles & unusual NT to describe the unbid suits anyway so the “Q bids” are natural suits. 1♦-P-1♥-2♥ is natural as is 1♦-P-1♥-2♦ . You just do not need the Q bid .

2) Balancing bids – Why did you not Q bid initially ? 1♦-P-1NT-P P-2♦ This should show diamonds with the understanding that 2♣ is always for the majors . This has to be discussed of course.

3) After a penalty pass – 1♦-X-P-P 1♥-P-P-? ♠xx ♥xx ♦KQ10xxxxx ♣x I would bid 3♦ which should be natural and show length.

4) Running from a penalty double - You or your partner have been doubled in your own suit . Their suit is fair game to run to in order to escape.

5) Exposing psyches – The standard way is to double first , then bid their suit . There are a lot of standard “Psyche positions” for the opponents. When they pre-empt at the 2 or 3 level , over take out doubles , over our 2♣ bid etc . Double first , followed by bidding the suit . These sequences are never Q bids . I repeat never Q bids.

6) Trapping first followed by bidding their suit shows that you have their suit.

7) You do not splinter when partner responds 1NT . A jump in their suit is natural.

1♣-1♠-P-1NT

P-3♣ is natural and invitational values

8) Balancing 2NT when they open 1♦/♣ & pass out a 2♥ /♠ partial. 2NT never shows spades so shows the minors which includes their suit.

You can not have your own way & describe your suit all the time . RHO opens 1♥ , you have ♠Ax ♥AKJ10xx ♦Axx ♣Kx . Equal vul I would just pass & see what develops . Doubling later or bidding hearts later shows a heart trap . Doubling first & bidding hearts does not show this hand. Passing first & bidding with a double does. 1♥-P-1♠-P 1NT-X If you are vul against nv , double 1^st , jump in hearts.

What if you have ♠xx ♥xx ♦xx ♣AKQJ10xx , RHO bids 1♣? Should you bid 3♣ and is it natural? No , again you should pass first and back in later with clubs if you feel it is a good idea. A direct jump to 3♣ asks partner to bid 3NT with a club stopper !!