August 8, 2003 10:14 PM

Fix Hands 5-5 Majors

 

PITBULLS:

 

            O.K. as the quiz show hosts says “this is my final answer” . The invitational (2) fix hand

 

1)     Kxxxx Kxxxx xx x

2)     AKxxx Kxxxx xx x

3)     AKxxx AKxxx xx x

 

            can be handled by playing spades to hearts as a one round force as per standard practices. If partner rebids a minor play the other minor as 4th suit forcing to game and 2♥ as a one round force. If partner rebids a minor she is announcing at least 5-4 in the minors so bidding 3♥ as invitational is probably futile . If partner bends over backwards and rebids 1NT with a stiff spade with 1-3-5-4 hands then the danger of missing a 4♥ game is diminished. With this new understanding 2♥ is always 4th suit forcing and never invitational with hearts if partner has bid the two minors. This makes the new suit jumps as splinters . If a minor is rebid , invitational jumps apply.

 

       1♣-P-1♠-P

       2♣-P-3♦/3♥   natural & invitational

 

       1♦-P-1♠-P

       2♦-P-3♥/4♣   natural & invitational

 

        1♦-P-1♠-P

        2♣-P-3♥        splinter with a minor fit

 

   AKxxx xx xx KQ10x         1♣-P-1♠-P

                                                  2♣-P-2♦ 4th suit forcing

 

   AKxxx xx AJxx xx           1♦-P-1♠-P

                                                2♦-P-3♣-P 4th suit forcing

 

   AKxxx Kxxxx xx x              1♦/1♣-P-1♠-P

                                                    2♦/2♣-P-2♥    one round force . Listen to

                                               partners next action and drop the auction if no fit.

 

                                                1♦-P-1♠-P

                                                 2♣-P-?  forget about a major fit . If partner bids 1NT with 1-3-5-4 the odds are very remote that you have one. Just give minor preference.