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The negative controls as complemments of controls by slam search

The negative controls or anti controls are the opposite of the classical (or positive controls. For instance after a an agreed fit at level 3, if a player bids 4 he controls but he does not control . In other words, counter to classical controls, he controls the cheaper color(s) but he does not control the color that he bids.

The most part of players use the classical controls which are generally sufficient. But occasionally the negative controls are necessary as complement. Here are some examples.

There is a fit 44 in a major after opening 1 minor

1 1
3 4 (control , but no )
4 (what means ?)

What may mean the bid 4 by opener?

After 4 which denies control . If the opener had no control , he would have closed to 4.
If he had control and the opener would have bidded 4NT Blackwood, since the responder has control
Therefore, the bid 4 is a negative control which means that the opener has contol but no control , and requires the responder to bid 4NT Blackwood if he has control , if not to close to 4

On the other hand, if the responder bids the control instead of 4, all is classical :

- After 4, if the opener bids 4, it is a classical control which denies the control , because if he had controls and he would have bidded 4NT Blackwood instead of 4. This bid 4 requires the opener to bid 4NT whith control , if not to close at 4.
- After 4, if the opener bids 4, it is also a classical control which denies the control . This bid 4 requires the responder to bid 4NT whith control , if not to close at 4.

As rule, a negative control may only be necessary when the first bidded control denies at least a control in cheapers color. The most often when control is denied but no always.

By previous example, if the opener opens 1 instead of 1, no change :

1 1
3 4 (control , but no ) *
4(no control ). End
4(control , but no ) **
4NT(control and ) **

* The opener has opened 1 but has not inevitably the control . The bid 4 is a control, but does not mean inevitably a double fit and .
** 4 is a negative control which requires the responder to bid 4NT whith control , if not to close at 4.

This case occurs not so often by fit 44 at , because the control is at disposal. But this may also occur. For instance :

1 1
3 4 (control , but no )
4 (no control ). End
4 (control , but no ) *
4NT (control and )

* 4 is a negative control which requires the partner to bid 4NT Blackwood if he controls , if not to close at 4.

When the fit 44 in a major is agreed at level 2, some players have better the bid 3NT as requiring a first control, but this does not change anything :

1 1
3 3NT (requires controls)
4 (control , but no )
4(no control ). End
4 (control but no ) *
4NT(control and )

* 4 is a negative control which requires the opener to bid 4NT whith control , if not to close at 4

After opening in a major :

1 2
2SA(strong 15HCP+) 3 (fit and slam hope)
4 (control but no )
4 (no control ). End
4 (control , but no ) *
4NT (contrôle , and )

* is a negative control which requires the partner to bid 4NT with control , if not to close at 4

After 3 by responder, the opener has at his disposal the bid 3NT to show the bad quality of his trumps.

and :

1 2
2NT(strong 15HCP+) 3 (fit and slam hope)
4 (control but no )
4 (no control ). End
4 (control , but no ) *
4NT (control , and )

* is also a negative control.

By opening 1 and fit , the opener has the control bid 3 at his disposal. But a negative control may be necessary. Example :

1 2
2NT(strong 15HCP+) 3 (fit and slam hope)
4 (control but no ) * 4 (no control ). End *
4 (control , but no ) **
4NT (control , and )

* The opener had the control bid 3 at his disposal but has not used it. He has no control .
** 4 is a negative control which requires the responder to bid 4NT with control , if not to close at 4.

After a splinter :

1 4(Splinter)
4 (anti control) *
4SA (Blackwood) **

* Control but no
** Control and

Idem after 1 - 1 - 4(splinter)


In another context, see also Controls


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