2007-11-06 04:12

Hand Evaluation – Misfits ( Ignoring the T/O double )

PITBULLS:

Some matchpoint players think it is best to ignore the opponents T/O double & just bid as if the double did not exist. I think this is silly. This understanding just invites you to rescue them & play the misfits. There are also some nice inferences if you do not have such an understanding. When partner opens a major & they make a T/O double , we certainly do not ignore the T/O double. We play transfers after a major suit opener. This treatment allows a number of nice things to happen. It clarifies the XX after a major opener as not holding a single suited hand. We can transfer of course with an unlimited one suited hand , an invitational one suited hand or a weak one suited hand. The transfer can also be used like a Kokish game try. You transfer into the suit where you would accept a game try followed by supporting partners major. The last advantage of playing this structure is that you can transfer into partners major thereby showing a good simple raise as opposed to a courtesy raise. You can also hinder the opponents ability to compete with transfers.

Over a minor opener & a T/O double , again I do not ignore the T/O double. If I have a 4 card major & HCP’s under a XX , I do not bid a major. I bid 1NT when I have a fit with partners minor & pass without a fit for partners minor. I do not bid a 4 card major & rescue the opponents in a misfit auction. A 1NT bid without a minor fit with partner is an impossible bid as it just rescues the opponents. Here is where D.S.I.P. theory comes in. After passing my reasonable hand ( under a XX ) & they bid the major I do not have , I now make a D.S.I.P. double to show “cards” under a XX in the balancing seat. Partner must do something intelligent. When I have their suit & they are vul , I just pass & go for the plus rather than doubling in the balancing seat. They can play the misfit vulnerable in my 4 card major. If the vulnerability is not right , I may balance 1NT rather than defend a one level partial. If partner joins the party by doubling the major I do have , happiness as 1 level doubles quite often are catastrophic for the opponents.

This treatment means that if I do bid a major suit after a T/O double of a minor , it is 5 cards or longer unless I have a minor fit with partner.. You can take that to the bank. The auction tonight went 1♣ by Tom with everybody vul & a T/O double. As I do not ignore T/O doubles , I bid 1♥ with ♠J ♥J987x ♦KQJx ♣982 to advertise a 5 card heart suit. They bid 1♠ so Tom can bid 2♥ with his suit orientated hand ♠Q9xx ♥A10x ♦xx ♣AKxx knowing that I have at least 5♥ or returning to clubs. They compete to 2♠ so since it is matchpoints Tom doubles & they go for +500. Tom has a head start in applying patterns as I show 5♥ on the auction so he can count out the hand easier on defense.

Bidding after a T/O double is simple Bridge. When you have a fit with partner , you bid. If you do not have a fit with no 5 card suit of your own to bid , you pass or XX to punish them. Stay out of misfits & let the opponents play them. The T/O double is an opportunity for them to play the misfits , so do not rescue them. Playing the hand is not the only way to get a plus in Bridge. You are under no obligation to “pre-rescue” partner from a bad spot that’s her job. You pass is just that , nothing to say for many reasons.