Follow Up to Newsletter Article

In this month's Newletter, there was a discussion about showing 5-5 in the majors.  I indicated a more complicated manner of handling 5-5's briefly.  Here's more on that topic, with my recommendations on how to continue in the auction.  There are sexier methods available (and I have played them), but what follows is workable and easier.

The idea, as I noted, was to bid 3D (1NT-P-3D) with 5-5 in the majors and just about any strength (invitational+).  Opener then responds as follows:

3H or 3S = weak, suggesting playing here.  Responder might respect that and pass with a weak hand.  With enough for game, Responder will typically raise to game (or bid 3NT to give Opener a choice).  With slam interest despite this bad news (Responder is allowed to have a really big hand), Responder can move toward slam by bidding shortness.

4H or 4S = enough for game, but not really slammish.  Responder can ask for Aces (4NT) or bid shortness as a slam move.

4C (hearts) or 4D (spades) = slammish hands.  Good controls and fits.

3NT = special.  3-card fit for both suits, plus extras.  Responder can again bid shortness with slam interest.

I also mentioned that this 3D call allows a few other neat calls.  These include the following:

3C as Puppet Stayman.  1NT-P-3C asks Opener for 5-card majors.  With none, Opener bids 3NT, or 3D if he has one or noth 4-card majors.  Responder, after 3D, can then suggest either 4-card major by bidding the other one.  Thus, 3S shows hearts, 3H shows spades.  Responder need not get any sexier than that, because he will not have bnoth 4-card majors -- he would bid 2C normal stayman with that.  So, Responder's 3C either shows 4-3 or 3-4 in the majors, or just one or both 3-card majors.

3H or 3S (1NT-P-3H or 1NT-P-3S) as showing 3-1 (or 1-3) in the majors, with 4-5 or 5-4 in the minors, game-forcing.  This call is designed to (1) find a 5-3 major fit if it exists, (2) avoid 3NT if the stiff major is not covered, or (3) find a nice minor-suit slam.  Whether to b id the 3-card major or to bid the stiff major is negotiable with partner.  This is game-forcing, so Opener will bid (a) 3NT if he has the stiff covered, (b) four of the 3-card major with a fit (could be a 4-3 fit), (c) 5C or 5D to play, (d) 4C or 4D with slam interest, or (e) the OTHER MAJOR with slam interest and a fit for the 3-card major.