Question:
I was wondering if responder should take distribution into account when supporting opener. I tend to use 1-2-3 point evaluation for doubleton, singleton and void, when responding to partner’s opening bid. Also, when playing 2/1 and partner opens a major, do you take distribution into account when answering 2 of a major vs 1NT forcing and do you up your point count for distribution when responding 2 of a suit i.e. 2/1?
Answer:
This is a difficult concept to master when learning the game. During the auction, players should be constantly re-evaluating.
When partner opens a major and I have support, I always add “points” for singletons and voids. But singletons and voids are more useful the more trump you have. So, if I am deciding between a constructive raise vs 1NT forcing, I will add a point or two for distribution with 3 trump and the 1-2-3 rule for 4+ trump. For the decision between constructive raises and limit raises, I use the same decisions. With a hand near opening points, if I fell that game is there and if partner has extra values, slam maybe possible, I will make a 2/1 response, but the suit must be a good suit (a source of tricks).
With a minor suit opening, it is much harder. I do not take distribution into account right away. If partner and I discover a fit or if the opponents bid my short suit, I will start to re-evaluate my hand. With no apparent fit or help from opponents, my distribution could be “harmful”. Also, if the opponent RHO bids a suit I am short in, and LHO doesn’t support him, partner may find himself in an overruff situation. So, many times, I tread lightly.