Splinters

Splinters by Responder -- Most Splinter Bids (double jump -- i.e. 1H: p: 4D) are made by responder as a immediate response the Opening of a Major.  The requirements for a splinter bid are as follows: You must have great support for partner's Major Suit-- 4+ Cards. You must have an opening hand. You must have a singleton or void in the suit you made the double jump.  Value of A Splinter Bid -- alerts your partner to the possibility of a slam contract. Opener's Response With a minimum hand and wastage in the suit that your partner splintered in you sign off in 4 of your Major. With Extra Value and the Right Shape of Hand you Investigate Slam Splinters by Opener -- The Opener can also make a Splinter Bid. For example, he opens 1H and his partner bids 1S -- A double jump to 4C would be a Splinter. The Purpose is the Same -- To alert partner to a nice fit and slam potential.  Since the 1S made by responder only promises 6 points, the opener must have a huge hand (18-19+ Hcp's) to Consider a Splinter Bid. Responder will re-evaluate his Hand and with more than Minimum Values and the Right Shape he may cue bid or go to Blackwood.  With a Very Minimum Hand he will sign off in Game.

Partner Hand 1

AK64  A9543  Q643     2  KQJ872  J  AKJ92

North East South West  - Pass 1H Pass 4C* Pass 4nt Pass 5H* Pass 6H Pass Pass Pass - -

South opens the bidding 1H in the third chair. This partnerhip has agreed to play splinters. North makes a splinter bid when he jumps to 4C.  He is showing a singleton or void in clubs and good heart support.  South feels lucky and bids blackwood and they arrive a a nice slam contract in hearts.

Partner Hand 2

AQJ7  KQJT5  AQ  8   KT965  A7  KJ6  J93

North East South West  1H Pass   1S Pass  4C Pass   4nt Pass  5H* Pass   6S Pass  Pass Pass -  -

North opens the bidding 1H.  When South responds 1S -- North Splinters in clubs to show a huge hand in support of hearts with either a singleton or void in clubs.  With a very nice hand herself, South initiates regular blackwood and a slam in bid in hearts.