tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115633791110477890.post956590437371395283..comments2024-02-07T00:26:17.605-08:00Comments on Cuebidding At Bridge: Correspondence with a Minor Suit QuestionKenneth Rexford, Esq.http://www.blogger.com/profile/03546227934953411090noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115633791110477890.post-11541040594393303292007-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:002007-01-23T10:30:00.000-08:00Technically, the definition of the 4♣ call is that...Technically, the definition of the 4♣ call is that esponder lacks a “notrump control.” What that means is contextual. A 4♣ call might be based upon a hard honor control (Ace or King) in the context of a hand that is unsuitable for notrump play. In any event, there may be a diamond shortness control.<br /><br />So, after 4♣, Opener does not expect that diamonds are not controlled. For that matter, after 3NT, he does not know the control situation, as Responder might have QJ10x, for instance. Thus, Opener should not explode into 5♣. If he bids a sane 4♦, this is Last Train, needing diamond control (shortness or “unsuitable” honor control) and stuff.<br /><br />So, the timid Responder still may win after 4♣, if Opener uses 4♦ as LTTC.Kenneth Rexford, Esq.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03546227934953411090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7115633791110477890.post-70121096388527920752007-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:002007-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:00OK, I'll admit to being the one who didn't think r...OK, I'll admit to being the one who didn't think responder's hand was worth a slam try, but I can accept that others may feel differenly. That still leaves me not understanding how responder can steer the hand away from 3NT to play in the minor, on a hand that for the sake of argument really is is too weak for the 4D slam try, and too shapely to want to offer 3NT, but which happens to have a diamond honour control. By my understanding, 4C (in the complete system) seems to acheive this, but unfortunately my partner thinks this is systemically incorrect by denying the diamond control. This leaves responder totally boxed into either bidding 3NT, which makes me squirm, or suggesting non-existent slam aspirations with 4D. Nothwithstanding the judgement aspect bidding 3NT anyway, would 4C actually deny the diamond honour control? Or should the 4D bid be made even when totally lacking any slam aspirations?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com