Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:40 AM

Hand Evaluation –NT ( Systemic Relays )

PITBULLS:

There are three main “clumsy” standard auctions in Bridge involving a 2NT bid. One of a suit – a response , a 2NT rebid by opener. One of a major - a forcing 1NT & a raise to 2NT is a 2^nd clumsy auction. The 3^rd clumsy auction is one of a major a forcing 1NT , a rebid by opener & 2NT by responder. Ambiguity reigns supreme in these auctions , so relays or even transfers have been incorporated. These relays clarify good hands vrs weak hands or checking back for major fits.

The relay in all these auctions , follow Lebensohl principles. When you are weak , go artificial with the 3♣ relay. When you are strong, bid naturally. Are their instances where you should break the relay in any of these 3 auctions ? . If so what should it mean ? With the jump to 2NT rebid after a 1♣ opener & major response , you are allowed to have a 4 card fit with partners major. This is the only time you are allowed to break the relay ( Wolff ) in this auction. You are showing your 4 card fit for partners major.

One of a major – a forcing 1NT with a 2NT raise is a different matter. 2NT is virtually forcing to game (18-19 ) unless you relay out. Responder is making a relay quite often to show a weak diamond hand. Responder may also show a weak heart hand or a weak raise in partners major. When the strong hand has good hearts , it is obvious to take the relay than push partner into the heart game. The only time it makes sense to break the relay after opener has bid 2NT , is with a strong jump shift in ♦’s 5-4-3-1 & a 4 card ♦ suit. Breaking the relay has a systemic meaning of showing this hand & identifying your stiff. When you have a stiff ♣ show it be bidding your 5 card major. Responder will bid 3♣ in two circumstances. One she wishes to bail out somewhere or show a weak hand or there is a possibility of a ♦ slam , if you do have a strong jump shift in ♦’s. When you do not have the strong jump hand in ♦’s , simply accept the relay to 3♦.

The last auction of one of a major – forcing NT , rebid of a suit followed by 2NT by responder is common. As usual , we use the relay to bail out and “improve the partial”. Natural bidding is strong & forcing. Is there any excuse to break the relay in these auctions ? Again the only example I can think of revolves around the diamond suit. Partner has rebid diamonds so your 2NT bid has nice diamonds. Partner relays to clubs to bail out in diamonds , so you can bypass the relay by bidding the other major. This should show good diamonds. Partner may have wanted to show a weak 6-4 in spades and diamonds so the other major will not hurt. 3♠ will be passed in most cases or partner might change her mind & bid 4♠ knowing you fit her diamonds..

The more practice I get with these relay situations , the more thought I believe should be given to situations where relays should be broken. Sometimes relays should be broken by bidding 3NT with a 4-3-3-3 soft hand (8-10 HCP’s) opposite a 3♣ SJS. You have such a strong desire for 3NT , you do not care what partner is about to show you. Breaking relays should not be rote rules but rather using your Bridge judgment. Forgetting that we play relays is not a valid excuse for “breaking the relay” J