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tention of the two Spade call merely encumbers the catalogue of the Declarer with a bid that is practically obsolete.
This, if it be true, would be most convincing, but it is so surprising a statement that it should be examined before being accepted.
Every hand that class "d" would bid two Spades would be similarly called by "b" and "c," and at least ninety-nine per cent. of expert Auction players concede that such a bid is sound. For example:--
Spades Ace, King, Knave Hearts X, X, X, X Diamonds X, X, X Clubs Ace, Queen, X
has strength which deserves, if possible, to be shown.
This is merely a sample of a hand which would be a Royal, if length in Spades accompanied the strength. Such hands come within the "d" classification, and are not rare. This must be admitted when it is considered that three- or four-card suits are much more frequently held than suits of greater length. Therefore, two Spades should be bid more often than one Royal. With the single exception of No-trump, Royals is the call most frequently played; consequently, as a preliminary call, two Spades must be used more constantly than any declaration, except No-trump.
Experience bears out this argument, and it, therefore, seems that the "a" allegations are not supported by examination.
It is obvious that the more original calls with which it is possible to equip a Dealer, the more accurately can he distinguish for the benefit of his partner between the different classes of holdings. It therefore seems absurd to contend that the bid of two spades should be eliminated.
(b)
The argument presented by the "b" school is also at first quite convincing. Take such a hand as
Spades X, X, X Hearts Ace, X, X Diamonds King, Knave, X Clubs Knave, X, X, X
It is just too weak for a No-trump, but at first glance seems too strong for a Spade.
Why, however, should it be too strong for a Spade? It is under the average, which