The Mini-Splinter conventional method is a variation of the splinter conventional method. The application of the mini-splinter shows, after a jump shift by either the opener or responder, a definite suit fit and also a singleton or even a void in the suit bid. As stated, the mini-splinter can be used to force game or invite game either by the responder supporting the opener or by the opener to support the last bid of the responder.
The origin of this conventional method is unknown. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated. Conceptually mini-splinter bids may be used over Major suit opening bids. The same principle and parameters apply if the opening bid is one of the Minor suits, but attention must be paid to the length promised by the opening bid, and as such these bids are less frequent.
Note: the importance of the concept of the mini-splinter bid is to show slam interest after finding a suit fit. If the partner does not wish to accept the slam try, then the partner signs off.
Concept in General
By partnership agreement, the mini-splinter bid can either be a double jump shift or a single jump shift over the last bid suit of partner. This establishes and/or implies strongly a fit with partner. The latter of the two options has become preferable owing to the consumed bidding space. This is a matter of partnership agreement.
| Responder |
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Opponent |
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Opener |
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Opponent |
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| Pass |
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Pass |
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1  |
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Pass |
3  |
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The jump shift by the parter, who has first passed, shows:
| 1. |
A near opening. |
| 2. |
A singleton or void in the bid suit. |
| 3. |
A good fit with opener. |
The partner will then review and re-evaluate his holdings and set the contract, or with enough strength, attempt slam.
In the following example the opener jump reverses and the partner is not a passed hand:
| Opener |
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Opponent |
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Responder |
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Opponent |
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1  |
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Pass |
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1 |
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Pass |
3  |
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A jump reverse by the opener shows the same as above. The opener has an excellent fit with the responder and a singleton or void in the suit of the responder. Game is secure, but the question now is whether responder has enough values and length to continue to slam.
If you wish to include this feature, or any other feature, of the game of bridge in your partnership agreement, then please make certain that the concept is understood by both partners. Be aware whether or not the feature is alertable or not and whether an announcement should or must be made. Check with the governing body and/or the bridge district and/or the bridge unit prior to the game to establish the guidelines applied. Please include the particular feature on your convention card in order that your opponents are also aware of this feature during the bidding process, since this information must be made known to them according to the Laws of Duplicate Contract Bridge. We do not always include the procedure regarding Alerts and/or Announcements, since these regulations are changed and revised during time by the governing body. It is our intention only to present the information as concisely and as accurately as possible.