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Relaying with a Highly Distributional Hand

© Copyright 2002, Jim Loy

I have occasionally heard that relaying with a highly distributional hand (one with long suits and voids) is to be avoided. At first thought, that doesn't make sense, relayer can surely benefit from detailed knowledge of partner's distribution. But, there are probably two problems with relaying with such a hand, because partner probably has a distributional hand too:

1. Partner may have to lie, if his/her hand is so distributional that it is not handled by the relay conventions.
2. The describing of partner's distributional hand may eat up plenty of bidding space. And you may end up too high with a great misfit.

I think that relays can sometimes work wonders with such a hand. And apparently, this situation can also lead to disaster. Of course, in some systems, the stronger player may have no choice but to relay, as that may be the only route to game and higher.

See Intro to Relays - A 2D Relay Stayman.

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