Conventions: Extended Smolen

Source: Aussie Youth Bridge Bulletin

The Smolen Convention show 5-4 Majors with game-forcing values opposite a 1NT opening:

1NT	2 (Simple Stayman)
2	3	45, game force
	3	45, game force

We can now extend this even further. Instead of 3 or 3 Smolen, what does it mean if responder jumps to 4, 4, 4 or 4?

Both 4 and 4 look like they are to play, and because they bypass 3NT, they should therefore imply a six-card major. Since responder went via 2 Stayman, this must imply that responder is 6-4 in the majors. In other words, 4 shows 64 and 4 shows 64.

Similarly, 4 and 4 can be used as a delayed Texas transfer, also showing 6-4 in the majors. That is, 4 shows 64 and 4 shows 64 (the lower minor suit shows the longer lower major suit). Since there is an overlap between 4/4 and 4/4 you can now split your ranges.

1NT	2 (Simple Stayman)
2	3	45, game force
	3	45, game force
	4	64 slam try
	4	64 slam try
	4	To play
	4	To play

It is correct for the slam try hands to be put within the 4/4 bids, because 4 and 4 both allow space for opener to make a ‘noise’ to suggest a bit of interest (e.g. the 4 bid allows opener to bid 4).

The above structure can be beneficial as it allows you to locate your 4-4 fit first, before your 6-2 or 6-3 fit, and a 4-4 fit might be able to generate additional trick(s). However, don’t forget to use your judgement. If your four-card major suit is quite weak, it might be better to play in your six-card suit (i.e. don’t bother with 2 to find that 4-4 fit): a weak 4-4 fit may prove to be difficult to play in when faced with a bad trump break.

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