Queen-Ask Denial Alternative
#1
Posted 2008-April-12, 07:39
Blah-blah-blah starts us out. We decide to use RKCB, and then ask for the Queen.
Now, I have seen many situations where the lack of the Queen in a 4-4 fit suggests playing in the other fit and then ditching the two small cards, or at least avoiding 4-1 splits in that suit. In other words, maybe bidding RKCB for hearts, no Queen, convert to 6♠ instead.
So, this got me to thinking. It seems potentially useful for the "I ain't got the Queen" answer to be six of the cheapest possible focus suit, if the auction is forced to slam.
Simple example.
1♥-P-2♣-P-3♣-P-3♥...
...cuebidding...
...4NT-P-5♦-P-5♥/♠(if one of these is your Q ask)-P-6♣(no)-P(OK, then let's try the club fit).
The same thing might occur in other sequences, such as a specific King ask. Same start, Responder eventually bidding 5NT, for example. With no Kings, Opener could bid 6♣. 6♥ would then suggest the club King.
Thoughts?
-P.J. Painter.
#2
Posted 2008-April-12, 09:15
#3
Posted 2008-April-12, 10:03
#4
Posted 2008-April-12, 12:49
FrancesHinden, on Apr 12 2008, 05:03 PM, said:
Playing 5NT as "pick a slam" has a similar objective, doesn't it?
I agree with Ken that there are sometimes auctions where you know that you have two possible trump fits, and one of them will probably be good enough, but you won't know which one. In that fairly small set of auctions it would be useful to be able to bid as Ken describes, but you'd need detailed rules about the circumstances in which the agreement applied, lest chaos ensue.
#5
Posted 2008-April-12, 14:34
gnasher, on Apr 12 2008, 01:49 PM, said:
FrancesHinden, on Apr 12 2008, 05:03 PM, said:
Playing 5NT as "pick a slam" has a similar objective, doesn't it?
I agree with Ken that there are sometimes auctions where you know that you have two possible trump fits, and one of them will probably be good enough, but you won't know which one. In that fairly small set of auctions it would be useful to be able to bid as Ken describes, but you'd need detailed rules about the circumstances in which the agreement applied, lest chaos ensue.
This is sort of what I thought. The most obvious example is a situation where two fits have been "established," such as a 2/1 in a minor that is raised before Responder reverts to the major. In that (obvious?) situation, then the negative reply to many asking bids that force slam could be six of the minor rather than six of the major.
-P.J. Painter.
#6
Posted 2008-April-13, 13:30
gnasher, on Apr 12 2008, 07:49 PM, said:
FrancesHinden, on Apr 12 2008, 05:03 PM, said:
Playing 5NT as "pick a slam" has a similar objective, doesn't it?
Yes. I don't usually play 5NT as pick a slam either...
#7
Posted 2008-April-14, 00:14
Quote
The goal is honorable because i truly believe finding the best strain to play slam is the easiest way to win imps at a fairly high level. However I dont see why you should be forced to the 6 level after asking for the Q ?
For instance, he doesn't like being used as a human shield when we're being shot at.
I happen to think it's a very noble way to meet one's maker, especially for a guy like him.
Bottom line is we never let that difference of opinion interfere with anything."
#8
Posted 2008-April-14, 05:44
benlessard, on Apr 14 2008, 01:14 AM, said:
Quote
The goal is honorable because i truly believe finding the best strain to play slam is the easiest way to win imps at a fairly high level. However I dont see why you should be forced to the 6 level after asking for the Q ?
In some sequences, you would not be. The idea is for when you would.
-P.J. Painter.

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