2008-02-14 07:33

Hand Evaluation – Systemic ( 3♦ SJS )

PITBULLS:

A 3♦ strong jump shift by definition , can only occur after a major opener. This means that the forcing NT plays a huge part with that specific auction. A spade response to a heart opener is the only other auction where a 3♦ SJS can happen. Let’s discuss the forcing NT sequences first after a spade opener. A 3♦ SJS can specifically only occur after a forcing NT with a spade opener , of course , due to the rank of the spade suit.

A spade opener & a forcing NT, brings in some other factors like a 2NT rebid being forcing. When your diamonds are not very good , a 2NT rebid should be chosen instead of a strong jump shift. ♠AKxxx ♥Kx ♦AJxx ♣Kx is a jump to 2NT or a raise to 2NT rather than a 3♦ SJS. When partner has a good hand in diamonds which you would need for a diamond slam , anyway , she will bid diamonds over 2NT. When you have a 5-4-3-1 with diamonds , again it depends how strong your diamonds are. A 2NT rebid still might be the best bid with that hand also especially when systemic . An exception would be a very good 4 card diamond suit which in effect you are “promoting” to a 5 card diamond suit . ♠AKxxx ♥x ♦AKJ10 ♣Kxx would be a 3♦ rebid.

The above “forcing 2NT” concept means that a 3♦ SJS should have 5 diamonds or 4 good diamonds that you are promoting to 5 card status . The last sequence to discuss is a 1♥ opener & a spade response. We recommend that a 3♦ SJS with 3 card spade support be bid with a multi 3♣ SJS. Partner takes the relay to 3♦ & you have a trouble hand fairly well described when you bid 3♠ ♠AKx ♥AKxxx ♦AJxx ♣x . When you have a 5-4-2-2 distribution with a bad diamond suit , we recommend a 2NT rebid. When you have a 5-4-3-1 with a bad diamond suit & a stiff spade , again we recommend a 2NT rebid. When you have a good 4 card diamond suit , promote it & rebid 3♦.

The above treatments means your 3♦ SJS is a picture bid showing 5♦ or 4 good diamonds that play like a 5 card suit. These understandings means your 3♦ SJS can be based on distribution & loads of HCP’s are not needed to compensate for your lack of distribution. The bid is still forcing to game , however.

Having ♦ SJS’s in your 2NT raise of a forcing NT needs a little science to sort things out. Most “either/or” bids can co-existent when you are careful. A 2NT raise is either the traditional 18-19 HCP 5-3-3-2 or a ♦ SJS without 5 or more diamonds. Partner when interested in finding the exact type bids 3♣. Whenever opener accepts the relay to 3♦ , this shows the 5-3-3-2 18-19 HCP hands. Whenever opener does not accept the relay this means she has a ♦ SJS. Partner just bids a major with the ♦ SJS ( 5-4-3-1 ) . The other major shows a stiff there with a 5-4-3-1 ( bid of the opening major shows a stiff ♣ to keep things under 3NT ) & 3NT after the relay shows 5-2-4-2. Never underestimate the power of a relay !!!