Weekly Hand Analysis - Glenna Shannahan - October 11, 2021 - A 4 bid

Question:  Here’s a hand  that certainly has slam potential. Should declarer have opened 1H and then increased bid when responder supports the Hearts?

Glenna:

 Another great hand. We need to start by explaining an opening 4-bid. A 4-bid opening shows at MOST a very bad opening hand—11 or 12 points and it is called a preemptive bid. Preemptive in that you think the opponents are cold for a game somewhere so you open 4 to prevent that. It also shows an 8-card suit whether it’s a minor or a Major.

  The current hand is beautiful. It should be opened 1 ♥️ and game will be found and some will find slam. Responder has the obligation to get the partnership to game and he has a couple of choices. If he knows Splinter Bids, he should bid 4 ♣️ and that may prompt opener to look for slam. The splinter shows an opening hand with 4-card support and a singleton in the suit he bid at the 4-level.  Opener can bid 4 ♥️ or his cheapest Ace with a good hand. 

  If the partnership does not play splinter bids, responder should make sure to get them to game. Start with making a forcing bid and then if necessary, bid 4.

  By the way, with a 9-card minor you should still open only 4—opponents have trouble doubling at the 4-level, but the 5-level is pretty easy!

See You At The Tables,

Glenna