Stewart0022 by Frank Stewart

A: 2♣: You have enough values for game, but the best game is uncertain. Partner's hand is not well defined. To learn more, bid two clubs. Experienced partnerships often use "fourth-suit" bids as mark-time actions to let partner describe his hand further. If he bids 2NT next, you can try three hearts, forcing.


Your result so far:

A: 2♥: It's tempting to do something aggressive. Your cards look well placed; your jacks and your king of clubs lie behind the opening bidder and may be winners. Still, your partner may be broke. Bid two hearts, showing great strength. If he passes, you're unlikely to miss a game.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: This is a hazy area in "Standard" bidding. My view is that partner has a minimum hand with six clubs and four hearts and has signed off below game. He may hold 2, A J 6 5, K 2, Q J 9 8 6 3. Pass. If he had a stronger hand, he would have had options.


Your result so far:

A: 1♠: It would be nice to bid your hand naturally: Show your long club suit first, then introduce your spades if partner, say, rebids two diamonds. But you don't have enough ammunition for two forward-going bids. Respond one spade. If partner rebids two diamonds, raise to three diamonds, showing 10 or 11 points and interest in game.


Your result so far:

A: 4♣: If partner wanted to play at game, he would have bid four hearts. His three hearts shows slam interest. Cooperate by cue-bidding four clubs to show your ace, but even if partner cue-bids four diamonds next, bid four hearts.


Your result so far: