August 2003

FIVE-CARD MAJORS

THE JUMP RAISE

The modern style for the jump raise (1 heart -- 3 hearts) is often referred to as a limit raise, describing a hand of 11-12 points (just below game strength of 13 points opposite an opening hand), and three-card support for partner's major. This is precision bidding.

Like the single raise, when your hand satisfies these requirements, do not consider any other bid.

For example, partner opens 1 spade and you hold:

S) 10 9 5
H) K 8 6
D) 7 5
C) A K 8 3 2

You have the required minimum spade support and 11 points, including 1 point for the doubleton diamonds. Jump raise to 3 spades. Partner will pass with a minimum 13-point opener, or proceed to game with anything more.

Yes there is a gap between a single raise (6 to 9 points) and a jump raise (11 to 12 points). How to handle the 10 point hand will be presented in the next Bridge Snaps.

FOR THE OFFENSE

North and South hold these spades:

North               South
S) K 9 3          S) A J 5 4 2

You need four spade tricks. How do you play this suit? You need to protect from a 4-1 split. First play North's 3 to the J. If the finesse works you can continue with the A and K, winning 5 tricks if the suit breaks 3-2. If the finesse loses, next play low from the South hand to North's 9, finessing the 10. If either finesse works, you have 4 tricks - a 75% success rate.

THE TYLENOL CONVENTION

East says to her opponent sitting North: "We'd like you to know that we play 'Lavinthal' discards."

North responds: "Thanks. We play Tylenol discards. My partner's discards give me a headache."

BridgeSnaps newsletter is produced by John S. Thomas, author of Standard American 21.