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All Things Bridge: How to bid 4-4-3-2 hands

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    • CommentAuthorJackC
    • CommentTimeNov 19th 2008 edited
     
    Will somebody please tell me the correct order to bid hands with 2 four card suits that are too strong for 1NT.
    Old Acol always bid 4 and 5 card suits downwards, making no distinction. In recent years we have been told to bid 4 card suits upwards and 5 card suits downwards, which seems a much better method as it gives more detailed information more quickly.
    I have heard that the old method is making a comeback. I should love to know the up-to-date expert views on the subject. JackC
    • CommentAuthorHarryWMG
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2008
     
    Bernard, in his new crib sheet just out (in Mr Bridge Library) says for "4-4" which can only be 4-4-3-2:
    "Bid the MAJOR. Both majors bid 1H. Both minors bid 1C".
    • CommentAuthorJackC
    • CommentTimeNov 26th 2008
     
    Thamks for that HarryWMG. I read the crib sheet but , as ever with crib sheetsw, there were no reasons given. With 4-4 in Clubs and Spades opening 1C and rebidding 1S over a red suit response gets three suits bid at the one level, and prevents partner from having to bid 1NT over 1S with a weak unbalanced hand. It also means that when you open 1S your partner knows that practically all the time you have 5+ Spades and whenyou don't you have exactly 4,3,3,3 in a 15+ hand. The argument is similar with Hearts and a minir, though the inferences are not so clear-cut as 1H is opened with both 4 card majors as per crib sheet . I'd like some arguments for the crib sheet view.. jackc
    • CommentAuthorHarryWMG
    • CommentTimeDec 30th 2008
     
    Jack, unfortunately there are not enough experienced players participating in this forum at present. I had hoped that someone might have given an reasoned response to your comments, as I would also like to know the answers. I am only an "improver" and would also like to hear the arguments that support the crib sheet recommendations. Harry
    • CommentAuthorJonno
    • CommentTimeJan 5th 2009
     
    You bid your spades first with 4 spades, 4 clubs and 15-19 points (12-14 if playing strong NT) because, 4-4-4-1 hands aside, a bid of two different suits shows at least a 5-4 hand. Your re-bid with a balanced 4-4-3-2 hand is a quantitative NT bid.

    Opening 1S allows you to show 4 spades, a balanced hand when you rebid in no trumps, and a rough idea of your point count. This allows partner to judge the strength of your combined hands quite easily.

    If you open 1C you either have to rebid in no trumps (not showing your spades) or rebid spades (showing a semi-balanced or non-balanced) hand. You could have any shape from 5-4-2-2 to 7-6-0-0. Your partner is also likely to be less sure of your point count.
    • CommentAuthorJackC
    • CommentTimeDec 2nd 2009
     
    Thanks Jonno, I think you have convinced me.

    JackC
    • CommentAuthorpirate22
    • CommentTimeDec 13th 2009
     
    Where is this crib sheet?----Jonno response is a good guide,but to clarify,ply acol 1sp then rebid n/t's accordingly 2/3.
    but using sayc,15/17 n/t open 1cl and bid suits up if pard responds 1d (min 6 points)----regards
    • CommentAuthorJackC
    • CommentTimeAug 30th 2010
     
    Come to think of it, if partner is weak his bid over 1S will be a catch-all 1NT which puts your hand on the table - possibly not a good idea.
    Moreover if I open a club it gives partner an opportunity to bid my doubleton which makes subsequent NT bids on my part a bit happier.


    JackC

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