SMOLEN EXTENDED
In the previous article, we looked at how to show 5-4 Majors with game-forcing values opposite a 1NT (15-17 HCP) opening. This was via 3-Major Smolen bids, as shown below:
We can now extend this even further. Instead of bidding 3
or 3
, what does it mean if responder jumps to 4
, 4
, 4, 4?
Both 4and 4look like they are natural bids to play and, because they bypass 3NT, they should therefore promise a 6-card major. Also, because responder went via 2 Stayman, this must imply that responder is 6-4 in the Majors. In other words, bidding 4shows 6 hearts + 4 spades, and bidding 4shows 6 spades + 4 hearts.
What is the point of this? Imagine that, as responder, you hold J97652 AK72 Q4 4. Rather than committing yourself to 4 (via a transfer) with such weak spades, it is better to look for a 4-4 fit in hearts first, by using Stayman. If opener bids 2 (no 4-card major), you can now jump to 4. What about if responder jumps to 4 or 4in this sequence:
In a similar fashion as the 4and 4bids, 4 and 4can be used as delayed Texas transfers, also showing 6-4 in the Majors. That is, 4 shows 6 hearts + 4 spades, and 4 shows 6 spades + 4 hearts. Since there is an overlap between the 4/4and 4/bids, you can now split your point ranges. Here is the structure:
It is logical for the slam try hands to be placed in the 4 and 4 bids, because it allows that extra space for opener to make a ‘noise’ to suggest a bit of interest – i.e. over 4 opener can bid 4, and over 4 opener can bid 4to confirm slam interest. (Rule: the “in-between” bid shows slam interest.)
So, what is the purpose of the delayed Texas Transfer bids? Say you hold:
It is not hard to imagine for opener to have, say, 
where 6is a decent contract but 4 may fail from a 4-1 break in hearts!
The main advantage is for you to find your 4-4 fit first, before committing to your 6-card Major. Playing in a 4-4 fit, as we all know, is often better since you can generate additional tricks from your long suit (providing discards). Again, like all conventions, do not forget to use your judgement. If your 4-card Major suit is quite weak, it might be better to play in your 6-card suit (i.e. don’t bother with 2to find that 4-4 fit): a weak 4-4 trump fit may prove to be difficult to play in when faced with a bad trump break. For example, if, as responder you held AQ9862 Q652 4K4, do not bother with the hearts because if partner’s hearts are J743, a 4contract may be quite a struggle, but 4should be comfortable.
