Evaluating the strength of your hand by Frank Stewart

A: 3♥: In "Standard" methods, partner's two hearts is not forcing or encouraging. Still, he may have a fair hand. Bid three hearts, giving your side a chance to reach game. (Many practiced partnerships have methods to distinguish between responder's weak hands and those strong enough to invite game.)


Your result so far:

A: 2♥: Partner's preference bid at the minimum level typically shows seven to nine points. Since game is possible, you should make a try. Bid two hearts. He should expect you to have three-card support and extra strength. If your values were minimum, you wouldn't bid a third time.


Your result so far:

A: 5♦: Partner's three clubs shows game interest. He would not bid a third time merely to confirm extra length in his second suit. Your two-diamond preference was timid, so you must catch up. Bid five diamonds or cue-bid three spades. Partner may hold J 5 4, None, A K 7 5 3, A Q 5 4 2.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Your partner has tried for game, and your values are a maximum. But since the quality of his spade suit is unknown, you can't jump to four spades with only three-card support. Bid three hearts, suggesting five or six decent hearts, and hope he will know what to do next.

Your result so far:

A: 4♠: Your hand is far from hopeless. You have three-card spade support and a useful queen in partner's second suit. Bid four spades. You would bid three spades with an awful hand such as 7 3, 6 4, J 8 7 5 3, 8 7 5 2.


Your result so far: