Tuesday, March 27, 2007 2:05 AM

Hand Evaluation - Q Bids ( Doubles )

PITBULLS:

The opponents can interfere with your auction simply by making lead directing doubles. Expert pairs have ways to use these opponents’ doubles for their own purposes. First of all a definition is in order . When you have established a fit through a systemic bid , splinter or directly , all other bids are deemed to be Q bids. A redouble does not mean we may play the contract as we have already found a place to play the contract with our fit established . Do not get confused with non fit auctions. In NT auctions or other auctions where we have yet to find a fit , a XX suggests playing the contract there !

Given the above definition , experts redefine the meaning of a bid , pass or XX when the opponents double your Q bid or systemic bid that establishes your fit. A pass says I do not have a control in that suit. A Q bid or a suit bid shows 2^nd round control in the doubled suit & a XX shows first round control. This treatment is assuming our Italian style of Q bidding. When you pass the double around to partner , a return to the trump suit shows no control , a Q bid shows 2^nd round control in the doubled suit & a XX shows first round control. You suggest slam interest with a Q bid or a XX , of course.

Here is a well bid hand that came up recently. ♠x ♥A987 ♦Qxxxx ♣Kxx . I opened 1♥ , partner bid 3♦ which shows a limit raise or better with a splinter in the unbid major. This was doubled by LHO & I held ♠AJ10x ♥KQJ10xx ♦J10x ♣void so I passed to show no diamond control. Partner’s first obligation with any unlimited systemic hand is to announce a minimum or a maximum. This hand is dead minimum for the systemic bid , so partner retreats to 3♥. Neither side has a ♦ control anyway. However , I carry on to 4♥ so we make +650.

Change partners hand to ♠x ♥987x ♦Axxx ♣AKxx , she can redouble to make a mild slam try. +1430 is cold on these cards. Change partners hand to ♠x ♥Axxx ♦Axxx ♣AKxx so with this unlimited hand 7♥ is cold. After a XX showing slam interest , partner can take control with a KCB bid.