How strong is partner? by Frank Stewart

A: 4♥: The textbook response is four hearts, making it hard for the opponents to bid. That is the call I would choose, but I wouldn't like it. I would rather not have so many side-suit controls and a potential source of winners in diamonds. Partner would pass in a flash with J 4 3, A Q 7 3 2, A 6, A 5 3 when six hearts would be a good contract.


Your result so far:

A: 2♠: If your hand had been any stronger, you could have tried 2NT at your second turn. Your two diamonds showed fewer values, but partner bid again anyway to try for game. You must commit to reaching game. Bid two spades to test the water or bid four diamonds.


Your result so far:

A: 5♣: Despite your weak preference bid, partner tried for game. He has extra strength, perhaps with 5-4-0-4 or 5-4-1-3 pattern. Since you have maximum values, make a strong move, Bid five clubs. If partner goes to slam with A K J 6 4, A J 6 5, None, K 10 6 5, he should make it.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: You had a mandatory opening bid, with three Quick Tricks, but you have an uneasy choice of second bids. A rebid of two diamonds would suggest a six-card suit, a bid of 1NT would suggest balanced pattern. A "reverse" to two hearts would promise much more strength. I would try 1NT, gaining if partner holds A 7 6 3 2, Q 9 7 5, 2, 7 6 5.


Your result so far:

A: 3♥: You seem to be playing with a 50-point deck. Still, you must bid your hand. Jump to three hearts, inviting game. If partner has a sound minimum double such as A 6 5 4, A Q 7 5, 4, Q 10 6 5, you may take 11 tricks at hearts. You would bid two hearts to compete if your king of clubs were a low club.


Your result so far: