|
Ask the Expert
One of our members would like to know if you play criss-cross. If you do, which version do you play and why. If you prefer not to play it, please explain why.
Bill Bauer. Criss-cross can be played to show either a limit raise in opener's minor suit or as a game-forcing bid. I play criss-cross with only one of my five regular partners. I would only recommend playing it with a long-standing partner. Because I am one of those who discriminates against the minor suits, I cannot call myself an advocate. I can't remember the time my partner or I used the bid. Oh, yes, we use the criss-cross bid to show a limit raise.
John Dickenson. I am a fan of playing 1C-2D and 1D-3C as a limit raise of the minor. This allows us to play 1m-2m as an absolute game force. Additionally the jump shift to the other minor has little preemptive value, especially 1C-2D, so you don't give up much there.
Dennis O’Brien. I play criss-cross and use the version John described. It doesn't come up that often.
Elaine Clair. I also use John’s version of criss-cross as a limit raise and a single raise as a game force. I prefer it because it’s more specific and makes it easier to determine what you actually have between the two hands. I use it with just about all my partners.
Mitch Snyder. I play it with most partners and play it as described above.
Email your questions, or a pesky hand, or something you’d like to know about bidding or playing to Toysie Walker. She will forward them to the panel, one will be chosen, and the question and answers will be printed in the following week’s newsletter.
| 
