Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Jump-shift bids in Acol

As mentioned in the commentary on this weeks results, the use of this bid caused problems.

South opened with an eleven point hand containing five diamonds and four spades. Partner had a strong hand (at least 16 points) with four diamonds and five clubs. As the cards lie 13 tricks are made in diamonds. In one case the bidding went 1 diamond, 3 clubs, pass. In the other the bidding was 1 diamond, 3 clubs, 3 spades, 4 diamonds, pass.

The question is what is the meaning and use of the 3 club bid?

The Acol Index by Eric Crowhurst (widely considered as the leading Acol expert) says " A new suit at the three level is forcing to game, it shows a good five card or longer suit and at least 16 points".

The opening bidders who allowed the bidding to fall short of game were at fault in both cases. It seems that both felt that they had opened light and that there could be no game on. This was unfortunately not true and so the bidding must proceed at least until game.

An article by Bernard Magee in his book 'Tips for Better Bridge' gives a slightly different view on when you should jump a level in the bidding with your first bid.This of course is a jump-shift and is forcing to game.The advice is that most players are in too much of a hurry to tell partner the good news about their hand. The problem is the jump shift takes away bidding space and can be argued to be unnecessary because partner must make another bid after his opening bid.According to this view a jump-shift should show:
sixteen or more points
a good six card or better suit (the article in the previous post said 5 cards)
The bid should say two things:
I seriously want to play in my suit.
I am strong enough to consider a slam
A point emphasized is that you should not jump-shift with a balanced hand!

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