[Dwingo]

Digressing a little bit, but still in the same sequence, can one of you help me in understanding the standard meaning in a 2 /1 Game Force bidding style the following sequences

1) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 2♠

2) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 3♠

3) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 4♠

The terminology " Picture bids" confuses me. Can anyone care to elaborate?

Thanks in advance to all of you will throw light.

Godwin

[WrecksVee]

"Picture bids" means to use jumps to show features about your hand. This is unlike "fast arrival" where a higher jump is used to show a weak hand.

Playing 2/1 GF with Jacoby 2NT, invitational jump shifts at the three level and two tiered splinters I define these bids asa follows:

1) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 2♠ mostly three card support for all hands not covered below

2) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 3♠ four card support, 5+ good clubs, a mild slam try sp there should be at least one control in the unbid suits

3) 1♠ - 2♣ : 2♥ - 4♠ Minimum hand with most values in the bid suits AND no control of either unbid suit

This is not my invention but is recommended in Steve Robinson's "Washington Standard". While (3) covers a lost of ground, there is a lot of room. As both partners are unlimited either could be wanting to make a slam try. By staying low there is room to handle this for either hand. Note that Hardy in "2/1 GF Revised - Expanded" also played (3) as defined above but used (2) as a more general slam try. Hardy does specifically define this as an exception to fast arrival.

"Picture bids" are more complicated than fast arrival as you have to agree on what feature is shown. For example (2) could just as well be a slam try showing strong trump support or a general slam try as per Hardy.

[WrecksVee]

Using the methods I described in my previous post I think this is a reasonable auction for the hands that started this thread:

1♠-2♣-2♥-2♠*-3♦**-3♠***-?****

* four quick tricks and six LTC is too strong for a jump to 4♠ even though the red suits are uncontrolled.

** I chose this natural call as it shows where at least twelve of openers cards are located. Certainly other methods are possible. Opener with all side suits controlled and five LTC is worth a slam try.

*** Bidding only three shows interest sort of like fast arrival but it denies a heart control.

**** the follow up depends on partnership tools and agreements. E.g. if 5♣ is exclusion RKCB for spades that shows one key card missing so that six can be bid. THe important thing is that the partnership had the room to exchange further information about extra strenght and controls.