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Q:
North opens 1NT. As South, I knew we had slam but I wasn’t sure which slam.
North
♠ K Q 8 4
♥ A Q 9
♦ J 9
♣ K 8 6 3
South
♠ A J 2
♥ 7
♦ A K Q 6 2
♣ A Q J 10
A:
There is a fancy convention which doesn’t have a name but goes like this. When partner opens 1NT and responder is holding a (3-1) (5-4) shape hand, responder jumps into the singleton to show a singleton in the bid suit, three cards in the other major and nine cards in the minors. The point count is game going plus. It is a great device to avoid 3NT with three small opposite your singleton, as well as minor suit slams. Describes this hand perfectly!
South would bid 3♥ to show the singleton heart. North would rebid 3NT to show heavy values in South’s short suit. South now bids 4♦ to show the five card suit. North now has a perfect shape picture of South’s hand (3-1-5-4). North would bid 4NT to show no interest in any suit. South would then bid 5NT which is pick a slam. North would pick a club same by bidding 6♣. South now continues the bidding to 6NT to invite 7. This is the strongest bidding sequence South can come up with to show both shape and points. North knows that 7NT is either on the ♠J in South’s hand, a spade split (3-3) or a heart finesse. Having several plays for 7NT, North signs off by bidding 7NT.
The entire auction would be as follows:
North South
1NT 3♥
3NT 4♠
4NT 5NT
6♣ 6NT
7NT AP
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