Queen, Knave, Ten Ace and King; Ace, Queen, Knave; or King, Queen, Knave
In order that the distinction between the various Second Hand Spade declarations may be clearly marked, take such a holding as
Spades Ace, King Hearts Three small Diamonds Four small Clubs Ace
Only ten cards are mentioned, and the remaining three are either Spades or Clubs.
_When Making the The Second the missing number of Hand cards are Spades in the Hand should_
All Clubs Two Double Two Clubs and one Spade Three Double One Club and two Spades Four Bid two Spades All Spades Five Bid one Royal
The method suggested above is not the only plan for distinguishing between the double of one and the bid of two Spades.
Some players think the double should mean a No-trump invitation, without any significance as to strength in the Spade suit, and two Spades should show two honors in Spades. The same comment applies to this as to a similar declaration by the Dealer; namely, that with the light No-trumpers now conventional, the invitation without Spade strength is unnecessary and possibly dangerous.
Those, however, who wish to have the privilege of issuing such an invitation, are not obliged to deprive themselves of the undoubted and material advantage of being able, when strong in Spades, to distinguish between a holding of short Spades (two or three) and of exactly four. They can convey to their partners that very important information by using the following system:--
Double of one Spade A No-trump invitation. No information as to Spade strength
Two Spades Short Spades with two high honors and one other trick
Three Spades Four Spades with two high honors and one other trick
Four Spades Same as bid of three Spades described immediately below
This system is entirely new, is somewhat complicated, and is suggested for what it is worth for those who wish, without Spade strength, to invite a No-trump.
As the bid of four Spades can be taken out by the partner with one Royal, the system is not subject to objection, on the ground that four Spades forces the partner to an unduly high declaration. The scheme is, as yet, merely an experiment, and of doubtful value except for the purpose of enabling a poor player to place with an expert partner the responsibility of the play.