A Once in a Lifetime Hand!

This hand got emailed in with a request of how the auction should have proceeded.  First thing….whoever had the 26 HCP hand… CONGRATULATIONS!  I don’t think I’ve ever held 26 HCPs.

I would start with the Strong 2[club] Bid, fully expecting Responder to bid 2[diamond] Waiting.  3[diamond]  is natural, unlimited and forcing.  Indicating that the nature of my opening bid was a strong hand with diamonds.  Even though Responder may bid 3NT with many different types of hands, Opener’s hand is too strong to Pass.  4[club], Gerber, asking Responder how many aces they hold is easy.  When Responder says they hold one ace by bidding 4[heart], Opener has no reason not to ask for kings.  Finding out that Responder has two kings is totally unexpected.  I’d probably review the auction and recount the promised Aces and Kings partner told me about….but once I’ve confirmed I’m not dreaming 7NT is easy since I can count 13 tricks!  What a hand! 

See more of this technique in Patty’s “Strong Hands”.