Friday, June 23, 2006 5:30 PM

Hand Evaluation - Balancing ( Q bids )

PITBULLS:

When partner makes a T/O double , how forcing is a Q bid ? This subject , of course , has been discussed at length by experts in the Bridge World for years. They have included an understanding in Bridge World standard that a Q bid is forcing until a suit is rebid/raised or game has been reached. In other words , you can not pass a bid made after a Q bid. You promise at least one more bid. This understanding prevents jumping to force so conserves room to explore for your best fit or slam.

All well and good , but what about balancing doubles ? Here is where we feel a Q bid just shows cards ( a D.S.I.P. Q bid ) so does not promise more bidding. This Q bid can be made by either partner in balancing situations & is not forcing after another bid.

♠Qxx ♥ AQ10x ♦A10xx ♣Jx the auction goes 1♠ , you pass & partner doubles in the balancing. You Q bid 2♠ & partner bids 3♣ . You bid 3♥ & partner balanced with ♠J10x ♥Kxxx ♦ Kx ♣ KQ10x so should she bid again ? No partner did nothing exciting like re Q bidding or jumping so this gets passed out so you make your +140 so on to the next board.

1♥ opener so you pass with ♠ KQx ♥ xxx ♦ Kxx ♣ KJxx , partner doubles in the balancing spot. You have 12 HCP , so you Q bid 2♥. Partner bids 2♠ so do you raise ? When Q bids do not promise another bid , partner must jump or re Q bid to force so you pass ( balancing only ) . Partner has ♠ Axxx ♥ xxx ♦ AQx ♣ Axx and you stop in a 26 HCP 2♠ partial making 2 for +110.

Balancing is an art form . Therefore do not put either partner in a straight jacket with forcing bids. Hand evaluation & judgment is needed as well as creativity. Creativity is stifled with too many restrictions. Partner is expected to do something intelligent after a Q bid. A Q bid in the balancing spot is just a grope announcing values so should be handled without restrictions.