Fit Showing Bids

Rev: 05-04-98

 

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During competitive situations one can never be sure what side will buy the contract. Finding a two-suit fit can be valuable in not selling out to opponents; or guiding partner to the “killing” opening lead.

 

During competitive bidding situations:

  1. One player bids Suit “A”

  2. Partner bids Suit “B”

  3. Based on logic and partnership agreement, the second player’s bid does not indicate a desire to play Suit “B”, but promises good support for Suit “A” with a reason for bidding Suit “B”. The two reasons are: (a) to indicate length in the suit, or (b) to indicate a good opening lead in case your side defends and partner in on lead.

 

Example1:

When a suit has already been agreed upon, a Fit-Showing Bid may still be used for the same reasons.

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You hold      S_863     H_AKJ974     D_     C_K654

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[ 1D  1H  1S  2H ] : [ 3S  4D.....this tells partner to bid 4H and if opponents bid 4S to lead a Diamond.

Example2:

Also can be used in non-competitive bidding situations to show a fit (4-card support) and a good side suit (usually 5 cards) with about 9 HCP.

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[ Pass  Pass  1S  Pass ] : [ 3H..... You don’t preempt partner when the hand belongs to is your side (both opponents passed). You didn’t open with a weak-two bid, the bid must then be Fit Showing with hand something like:
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S_Q973         H_AKT64       D_96  C_85

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and if partner has something like:
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S_AKJ64       H_Q752         D_8     C_ Q74

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Your side has game with only 21 HCP