Should you set the final contract? by Frank Stewart

A: 4♣: Partner has five hearts -- he rebid the suit -- but longer clubs. Your aces are perfect cards, and you have another working honor. Jump to four clubs. You can make a slam if partner has 4, K Q J 7 6, 2, A Q 10 8 6 3.

Your result so far:

A: Double: A jump to 3NT might work. But experts are reluctant to take control when they can instead look around for the best contract. Most experts would make a negative double, showing spades but the wrong type of hand to bid two spades. After hearing opener's next bid, they might be able to place the contract with assurance.


Your result so far:

A: 4♠: As responder, you want to place the contract at your second turn -- or at least bid to the limit of your strength to suggest a contract. On that principle, your correct bid is four spades. A jump to three spades would be invitational. You would choose that action if your king of hearts were a low heart.

Your result so far:

A: 4♦: Your partner's bidding is not encouraging, and you have three possible fast losers in the unbid suit. Still, if he has a suitable minimum hand such as Q 6 4, A K 10 7 6, K 7 6, J 7, you can make five diamonds. Bid four diamonds, hoping he will judge correctly.


Your result so far:

A: Double: Some players would have doubled originally, but your overcall was reasonable. Don't sell out to two clubs when partner surely has a few values. Double. He will bid a major or support the diamonds. Try to drive the opponents a level higher and increase your chance for a plus.

Your result so far: