What should I Bid? - Best enquiry for May 2008

The best submission for May came from Brian Thorp.

 Hand:  Dealer South, playing Pairs, the partnership held:

KJ5  KQ6  J32  10854

10986  10  A754  AQ32

Bidding:	West	North	East	South
				1NT
	Pass	2	Pass	2
	Pass	Pass	Double	Pass
	3NT	Double	Pass	Pass
	Pass

Comments:    1NT is 11-14 and 2 is a transfer to hearts. Had East doubled 2 it would have shown a good diamond suit.

Questions:
1.  As NS have such a wide-ranged 11-24 points between them, how can West judge how strong East's double is?

2. How hard should East strive to balance in the above situation given the probability that NS have an 8-card fit?

3. Do you recommend any system gadgets or rules to help manage this situation next time?

Sartaj's Reply:

The questions you ask are very pertinent, Brian.

1. In principle, I think it is correct for (1NT) P (2X) X to show a strong balanced hand. The key objective of the auction is not to get the best lead or to bid the best suit. The key objective of any auction is to determine whether or not our side can have reasonable play for a game contract. In that context, X showing 15-17 balanced or stronger sets up a good scene for partner to get involved in our quest. 

2. With shortage in their suit, East should strive to balance quite aggressively. While conventionally a singleton/void in the opponents' suit is the best holding for our side to act, in my experience, balancing situations are different and doubling with xx or even xxx, NV, ends up being more productive.

3. See 1. above. I don't like West's 3NT bid. I prefer 2NT as a scrambling bid to get to our best minor fit. 2NT in my opinion doesn't ask for partner's best minor but instead asks for partner to bid a 5 card suit if he has one (in the minors) or to bid 3 with 4/4 in the minors. This is vastly superior to 2NT = I have both minors proposition.

Enjoy
Sartaj Hans

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