[blml] Splinter of the Mind's Eye [SEC=UNOFFICIAL]

[Jerry Fusselman]

Tim wrote:
> Richard asked:
> >
> > Matchpoint pairs
> > Dlr: East
> > Vul: North-South
> >
> > The bidding has gone:
> >
> > SOUTH     WEST      NORTH     EAST
> > ---       ---       ---       1D
> > Pass      2C        Dble      3S(1)
> > Dble      3NT       Pass      ?
> >
> > (1) Alerted and explained as a splinter
> > bid, club support and a singleton spade
> >
> > You, East, hold:
> >
> > Q
> > AJ
> > AKT76
> > KQ863
> >
> > What call do you make?
>
> 4H - cue.  Nothing else appeals (possibly because I don't have any other
> methods that suit the hand and possibly because I play with partners who
> would be reluctant to bypass 3N at MPs holding AJT,Kxx,xx,Axxxx).
>

If pard holds AJT,Kxx,xx,Axxxx, he might bid 2NT in place of 2C.
Also, why is he not excited about the splinter?  10 working points, an
SST of 3, and we must have 25 working points at least, so slam is good
if we have the key cards.  He has to go beyond 3NT here.  What is the
point of splintering if you knew your partner could not understand
what to do next?

I am not familiar with the purpose of the 4H cue bid when every suit
is controlled.  Are you going to be able to find out if he has the ace
of clubs?

Jerry Fusselman