Introduction To Splinters

[@sigmaoctantis5083]

A very fine summary, thank you! What about hands with a splinter-suitable pattern, but >14 points? Is splinter still an option, or would you rather bid Jacoby 2NT?

[@jyutzler]

I prefer to visualize the auction instead of relying on a specific rule. With the standard range splinter, you're looking for the magical hand with no wastage. When you have extras, what will you learn from splintering? What will you learn from J2NT? Be creative. (I've seen world class players splinter with Kx.)

[@carloingravalloba]

In board 11 why don't use 4H cue before to bid 6S (i.e N can have KJ or KQ in Club and in this case there is not slam) ?

[@BridgeWithPete]

I said that would be a good bid but I just wanted to open up all the cards.

[@carloingravalloba]

​@@BridgeWithPeteI suggest to say that when you bid as answer a splinter you must have in one of the two collateral suits an Ace.

[@joeylam.827]

I don't really like using splinter on the last hand where you hold 2 honors out of the 3-card support in spades. Declarer could be trumping the short suit with winners and doesn't actually generate winners.

[@jyutzler]

I like it because you have options. Declarer may have JT9 in trump or may be able to run the clubs. It is riskier but I think the odds still favor it.

[@charleslawson3580]

You should have 4-card support to splinter.

[@jyutzler]

@@charleslawson3580 No because by not splintering the first time, the layout is clear. Opener can evaluate whether the hand is magical enough to move forward.

[@jyutzler]

I'm glad you illustrated the second level of usages because I have confused some advancing partners with them. In the US, if you are playing 2/1 as a game force and you are playing splinters then 1S-4H is in fact a splinter. You can bid 1NT (forcing) then 4H to show the preempty heart hand. In any other locale or system, I agree with our host, it pays to ask.

[@范哲良]

Just curious why don't talk to you about Gerber 🙂

[@BridgeWithPete]

There are better uses for 4C then Gerber. I don't play Gerber.

[@范哲良]

@@BridgeWithPete oh I was thinking Bergen raise. Lol. Agree that Gerber is not that good convention.

[@范哲良]

@@BridgeWithPete oh I was thinking Bergen raise. Lol. Agree that Gerber is not that good convention.

[@jyutzler]

@@BridgeWithPete Here's one for you: 1NT-2C;2M-4C. Splinter, right? Not Gerber?

[@BridgeWithPete]

@@jyutzler Splinter