Bridge
Dear Mr. Wolff: I’m confused about when to make a simple overcall with a strong hand and when to double or bid no-trump. Am I right in saying that cue-bidding the opposition suit is no longer used to indicate a very strong hand? — On My Uppers, Detroit, Mich.
Answer: Most tournament (and quite a few rubber bridge) players now use a cue-bid for a two-suited hand. A one-no-trump bid is used to show a balanced 15-17 or so. With more, start by doubling, then take a further call to indicate if you are balanced or have a one- or two-suiter.
Dear Mr. Wolff: Does Stayman promise invitational values, or can one use Stayman as a weak response? My feeling is that most people with a complete bust would wait for one no-trump to be doubled, which may well not arise, and then have a “rescue” bid ready. — Running Dog, Sunbury, Pa.
Answer: If playing transfers, most people use a sequence of Stayman, followed by a correction of two diamonds to two hearts, as weak with both majors — i.e., no interest in game. Almost all other Stayman auctions promise game interest or better.
Dear Mr. Wolff: My partner sprang a sequence on me that I was not prepared for. I held a four-point hand with two little spades, five hearts to the jack, four small diamonds and a doubleton club king. My RHO opened one no-trump, my LHO bid three no-trump, and my partner doubled. I thought he had a good hand and I led a low heart — not a success! — Sadder but Not Wiser, Dayton, Ohio
Answer: A “blind” double of three no-trump by the hand not on lead asks partner to attack from a short suit – it is typically based on a solid or semisolid suit, perhaps with a side entry. So on this deal a spade lead stands out after the double.
Dear Mr. Wolff: What is the correct response to an opening bid of one club with •10-8, •A-J-9-5, •Q-J-6-3-2, •4-3? My bridge club is divided into two schools, so please settle the argument for us. — Peacemaker, Twin Falls, Idaho
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no right answer, only personal opinions and prejudice. I very rarely bid a four-card major before a five-card diamond suit, unless the minor is very poor and the major good, and I held 6-9 points. On the quoted hand I could go either way.
Note: If you do bid majors before diamonds, then after one club - one diamond, opener should conceal his four-card majors at his second turn, unless he has real extra shape.
Dear Mr. Wolff: Holding •7, •A-K-9-5-4-2, •K-10-6-4, •J-3, I heard my partner jump to three hearts, invitational, facing my one-heart opening bid. I passed, believing I had a minimum, and was afterwards told I was a wimp! What do you think? — Feebly Minded, Monterey, Calif.
Answer: A good rule is to raise to game on this sequence whenever you have a singleton. If the hands fit well, game may make, and if they fit badly, even three may go down!