September 2020 - 59

Special Contributors

Dear Billy
BY BILLY MILLER

Dear Billy,
A bunch a friends in the Dallas-
Fort Worth area, all capable bridge
players, have begun discussing this
pair of auctions (opponents silent):
1♣-1♠; 2♦-2♠.
Is 2♠ forcing?
1♣-1♠; 2♦-2♥
Is 2♥ natural? Forcing?
The first one is of most concern
to me and a source of disagreement
among us. I can't imagine not being
able to make a second-round, nonforcing bid with:
♠A J 9 8 4 ♥J 6 4 ♦8 3 2 ♣7 5,
yet some experts say opener must
bid again. On the other hand, we
have heard from at least one noted
expert that says it's not forcing.
Obviously, I'd like to avoid getting to
the three level with only 22 HCP and
a misfit. What, sir, is your opinion?
Stopped On a Dime
Dear Nick L.,
I play that both auctions are 100%
forcing for one round. But, although
they are unlimited bids, they both say
that you may pass opener's next bid. So
they are two-way bids. Each could be
weak or strong. The only bid that I play
that allows opener to pass below three
of a minor is 2NT, showing 5-7 HCP
and a stopper in the fourth suit. Natural and weak. With 8-10 HCP, you'd
jump to 3NT or bid fourth suit with no

dearbilly@aol.com

stopper in the fourth suit.
In the second auction, 2♥ is artificial, but if the fourth suit is below
opener's first bid suit, it also says, "I
might pass your next bid." If the fourth
suit is above opener's first suit, it is still
artificial, but is also game forcing. For
example, 1♣-1♠; 2♥-3♦.
Players have many systems and
treatments to play over reverses. This
is my favorite.
Hi Billy,
In third seat, right-hand opponent
opened 1♣ and I held:
♠6 ♥K 9 4 3 ♦K 5 4 ♣A K Q 7 5.
What should I bid with my 15
points? I passed, and LHO bid 1♠,
and it was passed out. My partner
wasn't happy with me. What is the
best lie I can make? As it turned out
2♥ by us was makeable.
Felt Trapped
Dear Bunker,
I suppose you could overcall 1NT
initially, but with a stiff spade, that is
pretty far-fetched. I agree with your
original pass. Once lefty responds 1♠
and opener passes, indicating a light
opener, now you must spring into
action. You have a perfect takeout
double of 1♠ with spade shortness and
support for all the other suits. There is
no doubt you have the best hand at the
table and a clear path to proceed has
presented itself.
In bridge, you must be prepared to
change course on short notice.

Dear Billy,
In a recent club game on BBO, not
vulnerable in second seat, I held:
♠10 9 8 4 ♥6 ♦A K Q 10 8 7 ♣8 2.
I opened 2♦ (weak). LHO passed.
Partner held:
♠A Q ♥A K Q 10 7 3 ♦J 6 2 ♣K 3.
He huddled and bid 5♦. I made
seven for a 10% score. That's because
most others were in 4♥ making six,
and a couple bid 6♦.
We do not play Ogust. We play
RONF (raise only non-force) over
weak-twos in the majors. My partner, however, was not sure if 2♥ was
forcing over 2♦. Clearly, we need
better methods. How would experts
have bid this? You mean these diamonds are worthless?
Too Many Diamonds?
Dear Two Too,
The thing to do is to respond 2♥,
natural and forcing. Clarify your methods to make sure all new suits over
all weak two-bids are forcing for one
round. That would make for smooth
sailing. That's how I play it.
Giving up on 3NT or 4♥ does not
make sense. Since when did getting to
game in a minor become fashionable?
Most players would view that destination as a last resort. With a 6-4 maximum, you'd respond 2♠ to 2♥ and
partner would undoubtably try 3NT.
Your methods are fine. You might work
on refining your judgment!
◾

September 2020 Bridge Bulletin

September 2020

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