DEAR MR. WOLFF: I've read your opinions of many of the top experts. I wonder who you believe were the top American players who never won a world title? To spare their blushes, maybe you can limit your answer to those who are no longer with us.
-- Ranking Member,
Saint John's,
Newfoundland
DEAR READER: Of the real old-timers, Al Roth and Tobias Stone never won a Bermuda Bowl. Their contributions to modernizing the game of bridge as we know it cannot be overemphasized. Of course, they were not necessarily the most fun people to play against, but away from the table, both were entertaining company. Edgar Kaplan and Norman Kay would be another pair of candidates.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: I need help on when to use shape in deciding when to open the bidding. Holding ; 9-3, k J-9-7-4-2, l K-9-4-2, ' A-K, would you open one heart in any chair or vulnerability? And would your decision be affected if one of your club honors were in your hearts? Finally, if you pass, what do you respond to a third-seat one-spade opening by partner?
-- Threefer Madness,
Englewood Cliffs, N.J.
DEAR READER: I'd pass this hand despite the easy rebid, because neither suit is especially powerful. Switch a club honor into hearts and a non-vulnerable opening makes more sense, though passing isn't wrong. If you pass, then in response to one spade, do not bid two hearts -- the suit simply isn't good enough. Bid one no-trump and hope to get your values across later in the auction.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: The textbooks do not discuss in detail how to respond to an overcall when limited in strength without a fit. For example, with ; 9-2, k Q-7-6-2, l J-2, ' A-Q-7-4-3, is it correct to respond after hearing one diamond on my left and one spade from partner, with a pass on my right? If so, would you raise spades, bid clubs or do something else?
-- Advancing with
Caution,
Sacramento, Calif.
DEAR READER: I think this hand has just too much to pass here, though I admit that it is close. Responding two clubs may get partner off to the right lead if you end up defending, and you can surely stand a retreat to spades from your partner. I really do not like the idea of raising spades on two, and the diamond stop is a little feeble for a call of one no-trump, so all that is left is bidding the clubs.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: I play a fair amount of duplicate bridge and see a fair number of mentions of a Blackwood alternative called Redwood or Minorwood. Should I consider adopting it?
-- Mad Scientist,
Jackson, Miss.
DEAR READER: For many people, regular Blackwood is quite enough. Key-card Blackwood is of dubious merit, and don't get me started on other variations! Still, if you want to look at bit.ly/1KkJGTK to get a feel for what is out there, feel free to do so at your own risk. The most recent American Contract Bridge League bulletins have some sensible articles on this theme.
DEAR MR. WOLFF: What is the minimum holding one can have in the suit in which one makes a fourth-suit forcing call? For example, does responder promise at least five spades and four hearts on the following unopposed sequence: one diamond - one spade - two clubs - two hearts?
-- Tree-hugger,
Texarkana, Texas
DEAR READER: Much as you'd like this sequence to show the suit you bid, it does not do so. While the fourth-suit call is game-forcing, it does not promise length. Indeed, with a solid heart stop, you might have bid no-trump at your previous turn. Contrast that with the position when you are in a game-forcing auction, such as after a two-over-one call. Now bidding the fourth suit implies at least three cards in the suit. (With support for partner, you would raise; with a long suit of your own, you would rebid it.)
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High Profile on 08/23/2015