Slam Tries

Quick Summary

Slam tries are bids that invite partner to bid slam. They show extra values or key features without committing to slam.

Types of Slam Tries

1. Quantitative Raises

1NT - 4NT (Invite 6NT) 1NT - 5NT (Invite 7NT)

2. Control Showing

1♠ - 2NT 4♣ (Club control, slam try)

3. Last Train

1♠ - 2NT 3♣ - 3♦ 4♦ (Generic slam try below game)

4. Splinter

1♠ - 4♦ (Short diamonds, slam try)

The 5-Level Decision

The key principle: The 5-level belongs to the opponents.

Meaning: Don’t bid 5M unless you’re going to 6. If you’re at 5 of a major, you’ve gone too high unless making slam.

When to Make a Slam Try

Your Hand Has Action

Extra points Quantitative try

Key control Cue bid it

Good trump support Raise

Shortness + fit Splinter

Nothing extra Stop at game

Example Hands

Quantitative Try

♠KJ4 ♥AQ7 ♦K953 ♣K85

Partner opens 1NT. You have 17 HCP.

Bid 4NT, Invites 6NT with maximum.

Control Showing Try

♠AKJ74 ♥AQ974 ♦A5 ♣4

After 1♠ – 2NT (Jacoby):

Bid 3♦ — Shortness OR bid 4♣ to cue bid ace.

Accepting a Try

Partner opened 1NT, you bid 4NT:

Your Points Action

15 (min) Pass

16 (middle) Consider hand quality

17 (max) 6NT

Serious 3NT

A special slam try convention:

1♠ - 2NT 3NT

Serious 3NT = Serious about slam (good hand). Skipping 3NT = Minimum but showing a control.

Last Train

The bid one below game as a generic slam try:

1♠ - 2NT 3♣ - 3♦ 4♦ (Last train - one below 4♠)

4♦ says “I have slam interest but nothing specific to show.”

Accepting Slam Tries

When partner makes a slam try:

Your Hand Response

Minimum, no extras Sign off (game)

Good hand, controls Cooperate (cue/bid)

Maximum Bid slam

Common Mistakes

Making tries with minimum, Partner will bid slam and go down
Not making tries with extras, Miss cold slams
Accepting with minimum, Going to 5-level and failing
Overbidding after try refused, Partner said no!

Key Takeaways

Slam tries invite, don’t force
5-level belongs to opponents, Don’t stop there
Show extras or key features
Partner can decline
Know when to stop

See also: Control Bidding (cue bids), Quantitative 4NT (natural invite)