Last month we studied the philosphy of the use of blackwood. This month, we will deal with the technical problems that arise before bidding 4NT.
There are mainly three questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge:
› Am I sure that this 4NT is Blackwood? › Is there no question as to the trump suit? › Is it excluded that partner gives an embarrassing answer?
1. 4NT Blackwood ?
To overcome this obstacle in the best possible way, you must lean on three principles and three pieces of advice.
Principle 1 : 4NT is Blackwood if a fit in a major has been unambiguously established in the previous auction.
A sample sequence to illustrate the need to clearly confirm the existence of this fit in a major:
South
If, at this point, you say 4NT, it is quite possible that your partner passes with the argument that the Heart fit isn’t certain. To avoid this risk, bid 3♥ over 2♥, certainly forcing, and don’t use Blackwood before the next round.
Tip #1 : Confirm the fit in the major in a forcing sequence, at the three-level, before using Blackwood.
Principle 2 : 4NT is never Blackwood when it follows a natural No-trump bid by partner.
South
Having shown a fit in a minor at the three-level isn’t enough for 4NT to be Blackwood. You must make an intermediate bid (4♣, 4♦) before saying 4NT.
Tip #2 : Even after having confirmed a fit in a minor at the three-level, you should not, if partner bids 3NT, say 4NT if you want to use Blackwood.
Principle 3 : 4NT is always Blackwood if the player who bids it made another bid at the four-level before.
This is the least known principle and surely the most useful, provided it is used well. Let’s take an example:
South
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Very enlightening.