Wednesday, September 17, 2003 4:11 AM

Hand Evaluation – Tactics ( Pulling 3NT )

PITBULLS:

3NT & the minor suits have a special relationship . Nine trick games are way preferable to an 11 trick game . From this simple fact comes a Bridge Law – “you do not pull 3NT to a minor from a position of weakness” . You opened light with your minor so eventually partner bids 3NT . You do not like 3NT as you feel your minor is safer . Do you pull ? No , 3NT is where you gamble it out . In fact, your pull is an invitation to bigger & better things. Pulling 3NT to a major is a different story . This does not show extra as you are just groping for a better game. With a minor , 3NT is already a better game !!

The principle of fast arrival is alive & well with minors. Jumping to game in a minor is a red flag saying I am weak & distributional. Taking it slowly & bypassing 3NT has slam try written all over it. 4NT is virtually never Blackwood with the minors. It is normally a resting spot after an aborted slam try.

♠Axxxx ♥x ♦AKJxx ♣xx 1♠-2♥-2NT-P 3♦-P-3NT-P All pass . Do not pull 3NT to 4♦ as a 9 trick game is most likely the correct spot. Pulling to 5♦ is unwise.

Same hand different auction 1♠-2♥-3NT-P All pass . Do not pull 3NT from a position of weakness .

♠Axxxx ♥x ♦AKQxx ♣Ax