Monday, September 02, 2002 11:23 PM

KCB – Lone Ranger Sequences

PITBULLS:

There are sequences where one side has bid and rebid their minor right up to the 4 level that it becomes the implied fit and KCB can be used by the other hand. Kantar actually encourages Q bids instead of KCB when there are 2 unbid suits left. Therefore the rule is dependent on the number of suits bid in the auction. When there is no Q bidding room because the suits have been previously bid , then KCB can be used via Kickback ( 4 level ) .

When a player bids, rebids, and maybe rebids the same minor all the way to the four level, one assumes a pretty good suit (no kidding).   However, it doesn't have to be a solid suit. It is more likely a one, possibly a two, loser seven or eight card suit. A jump with the 2 level minor response suit is a solid suit .

After one of these "lone ranger" sequences, what, if anything is the keycard ask?   Let's take a look at a few noticing that 3NT has never reared it's ugly head.

(a) Opener                 Responder
1S                                 2D
2S                                 4D
?

(b) Opener                 Responder
1S                                 2D
2H                                 4D

(c) Opener                 Responder
1H                                 2C
2S                                 3C
3D                                 4C
?

(d) Opener                 Responder
1C                                 1D
2C                                 2H
4C                                 ?

(e) Opener                 Responder
1D                                 1H
3D                                 4C
4D                                 ?

(f) Opener                 Responder
1D                                 2C
2H                                 3C
4D                                 ?

In each sequence the last bid suit is a minor and usually an "only" bid suit.   Can partner make a keycard ask?    Yes and no.    Great answer, Kantar at least I didn't have to pay good money to read these lousy jokes in your book.

The keycard ask in long ranger sequences depends upon the number of unbid suits:

(1) If there are two unbid suits, there is NO keycard ask; bidding either unbid suit is a cuebid and 4NT is to play.   Furthermore, a suit bid by either opponent can never be used as the RKB ask suit.

(2) If there is one unbid suit, use that as the ask suit.

(3) If there are no unbid suits, the 4th suit is considered the unbid suit and can be used to make a keycard ask.

Question: Could Einstein have mastered this?   Answer: No way, but you will!

CAREFUL!

Opener             Responder (a)             Responder (b)
S. Axx                  S. x                                 S. x
H. x                      H. AQJx                           H. KQJx
D. KQJxxxxx     D. 10x                             D. 10x
C. x                      C. AKxxxx                     C. AKxxxx

Opener         Responder (a) and (b)
1D                         2C
2D (1)                   2H
4D (2)                  ?

(1) Patience with mile long suits and a 10 count.
(2) Letting it all hang out.


4S, the unbid suit, is the keycard ask.   Responder (a) can afford to trot out 4S because no response can embarrass (put one beyond the safety level if missing two keycards).   Responder (a) receives a 5H response (2 with) and merrily proceeds to 6D.

However responder (b) has to be careful. Responder (b) cannot stand a 5H response
and does best to raise to 5D.

SHOWING ONE, DENYING THE OTHER

Opener                     Responder
S. J10                       S. Qx
H. x                           H. AQ10xxx
D. KQJ                     D. Axx
C. AKJ10xxx          C. Qx

Opener                     Responder
1C                             1H
3C                             3H
4C                             4D (1)
5C (2)                       Pass

(1) Two unbid suits so no keycard ask available.    A cue bid in one of the unbid suits generally means no control in the other.

(2) You don't have a spade control, well I don't either.