Small Lies and Great Resource |
A couple of hands needed a small lie?
Hand 11 – shape for weak 2
Hand 12 – shape for 1NT
I will probably get in trouble with Sue for raising these ones, but with bridge sometimes there is no clear right answer and you have to make a judgement.
I refer to Larry Cohen’s https://www.larryco.com/site/index site from time to time. Whilst some of the articles are based on Standard American, there are a lot of great articles and discussion of key points. Well worth looking at it from time to time.
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Hand 5 |
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After two passes, South in position 3 should try to do the maximum to bid to make it difficult for West.
Here with 10 HCPs, 5/4 in the two longest suits, whilst this does not meet the rule of 20 for opening many will open 1♠ with this hand as there is an easy rebid of 2♥ though the vulnerbility is adverse. In this case it is a good decision.
West will probably overcall 2♦ and North with 4 cad support and a maximum for a pass will jump to 3♠ that will be passed out.
If South passes West will bid 1NT that is a great contract for E/W
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Hand 8 |
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After 2 passes East will bid 1♠ with an easy rebide of 2♥ .
West will bid 2♣ s and East will show shape 5/4 with 2♥ .
East has a choice between 2 and 3♠ s. With a maximum for a passed hand can bid 3♠ to invite 4♠ . East is relatively balanced and no extra values so is likely to pass.
Some Wests with 10HCPs and a six card suit may open 1♣ and rebid 2♣. |
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Hand 10 |
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After 2 passes East opens 1♣ then North overcalls 1♠ .
East can do a forcing bid either double to show values and support for other suits. Alternatively bidding 2♠ to clarify the hand could be useful. West with a ♠ stop could bid 2 or 3NT to show values and a ♠ stop, though no ♦ stop.
The alternatives are to for East to raise 1 to 3♣ s . |
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Hand 11 |
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This hand will cause a great debate.
Those who say you should not bid a weak 2 with 4 cards in the other major.
Here is a link to an interesting article and hands from Larry Cohen https://www.larryco.com/bridge-articles/weak-2-bids which is a great resource for lessons and suggestions. Though it is based on American bidding systems.
A poor 9 HCPs with the singleton K♦ suggests it should be a weak 2 or a pass.
If West passes North will bid 1NT that will be passed out and is a great contract for N/S |
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Hand 15 |
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West opens with 1♥ , the top of 2 5 card suits.
Some Norths, opposite a passed hand may jump to 3♦ though 2♦ will be more often bid.
Over either 2♦ East will bid their 6 card ♠ suit and West will show support by bidding 3♠ .
North may want to risk 4♦ but with 4 good ♦ s 8HCPs opposite an opening hand East will double for penalties or may bid 4♠ . Without North bidding East is likely to pass.
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Hand 21 |
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East will open with a weak 2♥ s.
South will probably bid 3♦ that will be passed out.
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Hand 22 |
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After East opens 1♦ south can bid 2♦ that is Michaels bid showing 5/5 in ♠ ♥ s.
West passes and North bids the lowest of the two equal suits - 2♥ s which will be passed out. Vulnerable East will probably pass as bidding 3♣ is risky, but less risky with N/S bidding the majors. |
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Hand 23 |
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South has a poor 10 HCP hand with values in 6 card suit. The Q doubleton in ♦ s is not worth 2 HCPs so many will bid 2♠ s.
If South bids 1♠ with the intent of bidding 2♠ s.
West may risk an overcall of 2♥ s.
Then North has a difficult bid, but bidding 2♠ showing support with a 3 card suit is probably the best answer and better than passing or doubling. This is likely then to be passed out. |
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