The Splinter by Matthias Huberschwiller

Maybe you have already heard about it, maybe it is a new idea for you: In this edition of Slams we will have a look at responder’s Splinter bids.

What is it?

A Splinter is a double jump in a new suit in response to partner’s opening of One of a major. It promises:
- Enough strength to play game.
- A singleton in the bid suit.
- At least a four-card fit in opener’s major.

Example:
♠ K962
♥ A52
♦ K6432
♣ 7

You will answer 4♣ to the opening of 1♠.
Your partner will know exactly what you have and can decide if he wants to stop at game or if a slam seems possible.

Now, try for yourself.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ K 9 6 2
♥ A 8 3 2
♦ 7
♣ K 8 5 4

Q: 1 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	Pass
?

A: 4♦ – With ten points, a singelton and four trumps, you have enough to play game. You can describe your entire hand with a Splinter bid and your partner will know if he wants to go to slam or not.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A 9 4 2
♥ 7
♦ K Q 9 6 5
♣ A V 8

Q: 2 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♦ – Your hand is too strong for a Splinter, you nearly have enough to decide alone that facing an opening bid you want to play a slam. In that case, you need to go slowly and start by bidding a new suit.

CAREFUL: 4♥ over 1♠ can be interpreted in two ways. It can either be considered a Splinter or as natural, wanting to play 4♥. Make sure to discuss with your partner about the way you want to play it.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 6
♥ K 9 6 4 2
♦ A 6 2
♣ Q J 3 2

Q: 3 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	Pass
?

A: 3♠ – A Splinter can also be made with five trumps.

A Splinter with a singleton Spade over a 1♥ opening bid is the only one that is made on the Three-Level. 3♠ is enough to double-jump and it is important to stay under the game in Hearts.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K J 5 2
♥ Q 6 3 5
♦ 2
♣ K 5 4 2

Q: 4 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♠	Pass
?

A: 3♠ – Your hand is not good enough to decide alone that you want to play game. Therefore, you cannot show your singleton and must content yourself with 3♠.

Despite only nine points, as you have a singleton, your hand is too strong to just bid 2♠.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A K 9 6 5 4
♥ 9 6
♦ A K
♣ 9 6 2

Q: 5 - Does the Splinter bid bring good news?
What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
1♠	Pass	4♦	Pass
?

A: 4♠ – Your partner’s Splinter in Diamonds is very bad news. His singleton is of no use as you have Ace-King.

Your partner does not have a very strong hand, so he will not cover four of your five losers in Clubs and Hearts. Therefore, you need to stop at game level.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 6

Your Hand
♠ A K 9 6 5 4
♥ 9 6
♦ A K
♣ 9 6 2

Q: 6 - Does the Splinter bid brig good news?
What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
1♠	Pass	4♣	Pass
?

A: 4♦ – You have the same hand as in the previous question, but your partner’s shortness is not in the same suit. Now, his singleton is in Clubs. This is excellent news because you will be able to ruff two of your Club losers (remember: partner has got 4 trumps).

You can try going for a slam under the condition that your partner controls Hearts. Thus, you need to start by showing your Diamond control.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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