What happens when Partner opens the bidding 1♥ and I hold this hand:
♠4
♥Q9632
♦K8762
♣32
I don't have too many points BUT I do have a really nice fit for Partner. We could easily make game opposite some minimum openers from Partner. For example:
Here are four typical hands Partner could have:
Hand A
Hand B
Hand C
Hand D
♠A63♥AK875♦Q4♣654
♠863♥KJ754♦A4♣KQ4
♠863♥AK754♦QJ4♣K4
♠J6♥AK754♦QJ43♣Q4
Dummy
Dummy
Dummy
Dummy
♠4♥Q9632♦K8762♣32
♠4♥Q9632♦K8762♣32
♠4♥Q9632♦K8762♣32
♠4♥Q9632♦K8762♣32
Hand A Partner should be able to make 4♥. They should lose two ♣ and one ♦ but can trump the rest of their losers.
Hand B Partner should be able to make 4♥. They should lose one ♣, one ♥ and one ♠ but can trump the rest of their losers.
Hand C Partner could make 4♥. They should lose one ♦ and one ♠ and might have to lose two ♣ if the A♣ is not in a good position. However the opponents cannot lead ♣ without giving Partner a trick so Partner might be able to set up the ♦ suit for winners and make this contract even if the A♣ is not in a good location.
Hand D Partner will probably go down in 4♥. They should lose two ♣, one ♦ and one ♠. HOWEVER the opponents will be able to make 4♠. They will not have to lose any ♠ or any ♣. At most they will lose one in both the red suits. They make at least 5♠. Perhaps even 6♠. How do we stop the opponents finding this contract?
On weak distributional hands we can jump to game right away! So on this hand if Partner opens the bidding 1♥ I will respond 4♥.
This is a pre-emptive raise that gets you to what could be a good game very quickly. It effectively shuts the opponents out of the bidding because it is hard to come into the bidding at the 4 or even 5 level -- especially when their Partner has not shown any values.
In order to make this bid you should have:
At least five trump for Partner. If you don't have very many trump Partner can't trump all their losers.
A singleton or void. You can do this on more balanced hands BUT it is not very safe. You are more likely to go down in your game and the opponents are less likely to be able to make game.
A weak hand. About 6 to 10 points. Remember that the singleton counts as 3 points so you would do this on very few high card points.
Let's practice this bid with the other raises we have for Partner's major.
Over a 1♥ opening bid, bidding:
Shows
2♥
6 to 10 points and at least three ♥
3♥
11 or 12 points and four ♥
4♥
6 to 10 points, a singleton or void and at least five ♥
On the following hands Partner opened the bidding 1♥. What will you bid?
Hand 1
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