Part-score, game or slam? by Frank Stewart

A: Pass: You can save time by passing without looking at your hand. Your preempt described your hand -- long, strong spades but little defense -- and your partner is in charge. He may have your opponent nailed at four diamonds. For you to "correct" to four spades would insult him.


Your result so far:

A: 5♥: A sound minimum for partner such as K 8 7 6, K 8 7, A J 6 5, K 4 will give you a play for 13 tricks, so you must try to reach a small slam. Cue-bid five hearts to show the ace. Trust partner to make a good final decision.


Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your jump-shift showed a powerful hand and established a force to game. Since partner's hand may be weak, you need do no more than bid four hearts now. If he can visualize a slam, he will bid again. But if he has K 6 5 4 3, 10 5, 4 3, A 6 5 4, four hearts will be high enough.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: All of your honors fit well with partner's suits, hence you can accept his invitation to game. Since your heart support is as good as could be under the circumstances, bid four hearts to suggest an alternative game. Partner may hold A, A K 9 6 5, 5 3 2, K J 8 6.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠: In "Standard" methods, a jump-shift to two spades would suggest slam but would show either a self-sufficient suit, good support for partner's suit or a strong balanced hand. Since you hold none of those, respond one spade, saving room to locate a trump suit. You will show your clubs next and perhaps support partner's hearts later.


Your result so far: