Weak or strong? by Frank Stewart

A: 3♣: Though your partner's bidding shows a minimum balanced hand, slam is possible. If he holds 4 2, A J 5, A Q 9 7 2, Q J 4, he would have a play for seven diamonds. Force with a bid of three clubs. If partner bids 3NT next, you will have to consider passing, but if he bids three diamonds, you can reasonably jump to six diamonds.


Your result so far:

A: 4♣: You have a promising hand. Indeed, if partner's hand is short in spades, the play at clubs may go well. A bid of three clubs would be competitive and would not do justice to your game chances. Jump to four clubs or, with a timid partner, five clubs. He may hold 2, A Q 7 4, K Q 6 3, J 9 5 2.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: If you consider this a problem, you need to study up on basic bidding. Your 1NT described a balanced minimum opening bid. Knowing that, partner signed off. Pass. It's true you have attractive values, but if partner saw a chance for game, he could have jumped to three spades to invite.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Partner has a weak hand. He has six to nine points and a doubleton heart. If he had A 7 6 4 3, J 7 4, 4 2, K 6 5, he would have raised directly to two hearts. With A 7 6 4 3, J 7 4, 4 2, A J 2, he would have jumped to three hearts over two diamonds, inviting game. Pass. Game chances are nil.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT: You would like to limit your strength and place the contract -- or strongly point toward a contract -- as early in the auction as possible, and you can do so here. Bid 3NT, showing 13 to 15 points with strength in the unbid suit. Partner can bid again if he wishes. A bid of 2NT would be invitational, not forcing.


Your result so far: