A Splinter Bid #13-43

IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

With Larry Matheny

The Splinter bid is a valuable tool. It’s usually a double jump in a side suit to show shortness, support for your partner’s suit, and values. As the following hand demonstrates, telling partner about the shortness can be very important.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#13-43
Dlr	W
Vul	E/W


	J1032
	AJ754
	KJ95

	A10742
	875
	Q986
	Q

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	K9863
	6
	1032
	8742

	QJ5
	AKQ94
	K
	A1063

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	Pass	1
1	3	DBL	4
Pass	4	Pass	6
Pass	Pass	Pass

Bidding: North’s jump to 3 was a Splinter bid promising heart support and spade shortness. The vulnerability was wrong for a sacrifice, but East doubled to encourage a spade lead. South was excited because the auction made it very likely North’s high cards were in the minor suits. South cue bid clubs, North showed the ace of diamonds, and South bid the slam.

Play: West led the ace of spades ruffed in dummy. Now it was a heart to declarer’s hand followed by another spade ruff. This was repeated and declarer returned to his hand with the king of diamonds to draw the last trump. When the queen of clubs popped up, declarer had all thirteen tricks.