Should you invite game, bid game, or stay low? by Frank Stewart

A: Pass: Opening-bid standards have gotten lighter, and some players would consider this hand a mandatory opening. Still, a sober appraisal suggests passing. Winning tricks is the aim, and the long suits will be hard to set up because they contain few supporting honors. The singleton ace is devalued. I would open an 11-point hand such as 2, A K 7 4 2, K J 9 3 2, 10 9.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: You must act again since game is possible -- partner may have as many as 18 points -- but you have no comfortable bid. A rebid of two hearts is possible but would suggest a six-card suit. A raise to two spades would suggest four-card support. My inclination, doubtless not shared by every expert, would be to bid two diamonds.


Your result so far:

A: 4♠: This is a close case. Partner suggests five cards in each major suit and minimum values. You mustn't persist with 3NT; the issue is whether to bid three or four spades. If vulnerable, I would surely take a shot at game. Partner will have a chance if he holds A K 10 8 3, A J 10 6 4, 3 2, 8.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Your heart support isn't robust, but since you have primary values and a possible ruffing value in diamonds, you should pursue a heart contract instead of bidding notrump. Jump to three hearts, inviting game. If your heart holding were Q-7-4, you would bid four hearts yourself.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: You may have a game. Partner's double promises opening values or more with support for the unbid suits. (He might have a powerful hand -- 17 or more points -- with a long suit of his own, but that is unlikely here.) Jump to 2NT, showing 10 or 11 points with balanced pattern, inviting game.

Your result so far: