Splinter Bid

Huh? A Splinter Bid is a game force response in the opener's suit by a hand with a singleton or void. The reason is that sometimes the singleton will enable opener to explore  Slam, knowing there's only one loser max in the splintered suit.

Situation: when a responder has an opening hand in support of a major suit opener and with a singleton, we bid as follows:.

N	E	S	W
1ª	P	4¨*	. . .

"North, I have an opening hand or better, a Spade fit and a stiff Diamond."

 

The South hand, bidding a splinter in support of a 1ª opener, could be:

ª KQxx	or	ª Axxx
© Axx		© KQxxx
¨x		¨ x
§ KJTxx		§ AJx

North can simply bid game, cue bid Aces, explore with Blackwood or go directly to slam.

 

Strength: an opening hand or equivalent in support of opener's suit.

Usage; fairly common, although it only comes up once or twice a year.