Stewart0016 by Frank Stewart

A: 4♥: Partner's bidding is mysterious. He didn't bid 3NT, rebid three hearts or support one of your suits. I'd expect a shapely hand with something in spades but reluctance to play at notrump: A 8 2, A K 10 8 6 4, 2, K 4 2. Bid four hearts or, to invite slam, bid five hearts.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: An auction such as this one betrays a weak area of "Standard" bidding. Your partner may have as many as 18 points -- almost worth forcing to game; he may have 12 points and a two-suited hand. You must pass and hope for the best. A bid of 2NT would promise 10 or 11 points.


Your result so far:

A: 1NT: This problem is awkward, but things could be worse. (Partner could have responded one spade.) Bid 1NT to show a balanced minimum. A rebid of two clubs would suggest longer clubs. A bid of two diamonds would be a strength-showing "reverse." Some players would have opened one diamond, but that bid could lead to other problems.


Your result so far:

A: 4♠: Partner's intentions are unknown, but he will want to hear about your three-card support for his first suit. Jump to four spades, suggesting three strong spades and slammish values. You would bid three spades with a less promising hand such as Q 6 3, A K J 4 2, K J, A J 7.

Your result so far:

A: Double: Your hand isn't quite strong enough for a bid of two spades. Your best call is a negative double, showing spades and enough values to respond. I often see good players raise to two hearts with hands such as this, but that action might induce partner to misjudge in a competitive auction and bid too much.


Your result so far: