When I see the card combination AJT in bridge, I count it as six points, and I am always reminded of the David Walliams sketch "Computer says No". If you haven't seen it, you can view it here.
.: - Little Britain - Computer says no - :. - YouTube
The combination counts as 5.9 on the K-R evaluator, nearly six as Danielle Lloyd says, and I had no problem in opening 1NT on the North hand below, a good 12 count.
EW had no good way into the auction, unless they are playing "Tyriog", the Welsh translation of Landy. This is something of a misnomer, in that landy is also an old French word for a person of great power. The way this works is that 2C shows 4 or 6 hearts and 2D shows 4 or 6 spades. If you only have four of the anchor suit then you have a longer suit elsewhere. This will allow East-West to compete to 3D, the top spot.
What about the opening lead against 1NT on the East hand? A simulation shows that a diamond is much better than a heart and indeed holds declarer to seven tricks, for close to an average, as 2S can be made, but only by North. Should South transfer to spades? I think so, but it is very close with a poor suit and no aces. Much depends on partner's red-suit holdings, and you won't want to play 2S opposite a low doubleton, as you are very likely to lose four trump tricks.
The strange score was Passed Out, presumably East miscounting his or her points, and the best score for NS was 3S making by South with the defence not switching to hearts at any time.
I always thought that convention was known as Middlesex Astro. Certainly I remember it being popular with Middlesex tournament players. According to David Stevenson's no trump defence web page it applies to all four suits. It is an interesting idea. I am thinking of developing a canape system with openings along similar lines.
ReplyDeleteDONT will allow you to enter the auction as well of course and no doubt countless others
Yes, I can see a system where 1X is 4 or 6 would work quite well.
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