Responding To A Negative Double by David Bird

A: 2♠. A negative double of 1♥ suggests four spades. If partner held five spades, he would respond 1♠ instead.

You have only 14 points, but a 5-loser hand. You are too strong for 1♠ and should rebid 2♠. (Some might even bid 3♠.)

Your result so far:

A: 2♥. Your partner should hold both major suits. With only one, he could have bid one of that suit instead of doubling.

In support of hearts, you are worth 2♥. This does not show a particularly good hand, but you are worth going to the two-level on an 8-card fit, even if partner has a minimum negative double.

Your result so far:

A: 2♠. Your partner has made a negative double of 1♠. He may well have four cards in both the minors, but it's not guaranteed. In any case, a response of 3♦ would not do justice to your fine hand.

You should show your strength with a cue-bid in the opponent's suit.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠. If you had a heart stopper, you might rebid 1NT. If your diamond suit were more robust, you might rebid 2♦, even on a 5-card suit.

Here, you do best to keep the bidding low and rebid 1♠, even though this will be a 4-3 fit. It will play well with your ruffing value in clubs.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT. Do not think of passing. Why would you want to make spades trumps, knowing that the player sitting over you has at least 5 spades?

You should rebid 1NT, showing one or more spade stoppers and a fairly minimal hand.

Your result so far:

A: Pass. It is best to defend, whatever the vulnerability. With only 13 points, there is no certainty that you can make 3NT. There is a good chance of two or more down in defense to 3♣X.

Your result so far: