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Ask the Expert
Playing 2/1 the auction is 1H - 2C. Opener rebids 2S. What do you know about opener's hand? (You are not playing Flannery.)
John Dickenson. Well obviously partner has longer hearts than spades and is unbalanced. Opener has reversed but the question of "does this show extra values" is unknown without knowing partnership agreements on the subject. Broadly we speak of "Hardy style" and "Lawrence style" 2/1 - Max Hardy insisted opener's reverse in a 2/1 auction shows extra values, as does a "high level reverse" such as 1S-2D-3C. In my partnerships the opener is just showing her pattern. This along with "does 1S-2C-2S guarantee 6 pieces" and the corollary "does 1S-2C-2N show all suits stopped or merely a 5332 shape" must be discussed with partner before playing 2/1.
Bill Bauer. I note that opener reversed when rebidding 2S. However, I do not play that the reverse bid in this auction promises extra values after a new suit by responder at the 2-level. I do know that opener has a minimum of 5 hearts and 4 spades. Opener could also have 6-4 or 6-5; the next bid will clarify the shape.
Elaine Clair. I don’t play that as showing extras so the point range is unknown. I would assume partner has at least 5H and 4S and is unbalanced since he(she) didn’t raise clubs and didn’t bid NT.
Mitch Snyder. This is a natural bid showing 4+ spades and longer hearts and not necessarily any extra values.
Dennis O’Brien. Two spades is natural and since we are in a game force auction does not show extra strength. Opener also has longer hearts.
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.
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