Splinter is a quick way to reach game level when partner opens with a MAJOR and you have a FIT and also a void or singleton in another suit. Splinter is a Game Forcing convention.
The down side of this method is that it eats up all the bidding space for information exchange. Hence, should be used when possibility of exploring slam are minimal and the Splinter bidder has a limited hand up to 10-14 HCP and up to seven losers.
In Splinter convention, you bid a new suit by double jumping a level more than required for a natural bid. Splinter comes into play under following circumstances:
- Most of the time sudden jump to level 4 of a new suit is Splinter. Additionally, 3!s over 1!h opening is also a splinter. Slam possibilities in this case are rare, unless, partner has a long trump.
- Splinter can be used by opener, too, on Responder’s bid Major.
- Cue bidding opponent’s suit, by responder at jump level 4 is also splinter.
Jacoby 2NT is a preferred alternative to SPLINTER, to reach game level quickly, while keeping bidding space for 2nd round Cue Bids. They exchange information about stoppers in various suits and assist in exploring slam possibilities.
Sunil Khanna 