Weak, invitational or forcing? by Frank Stewart

A: 2♠: In some styles, opener absolutely guarantees four-card support to raise a major-suit response. That style can gain, but most players are more flexible and are willing to raise (to two) with three good trumps and a hand suitable for play in partner's major. As a strong advocate of that approach, I would bid two spades.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: Resist the urge to bid two spades. Your double showed spade support and at least opening values, and that's what you have. If your partner has anything, he won't sell out. If he thinks trying to beat two hearts is your best shot at a plus, you can respect his judgment.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠: Your partner must have a decent hand; his second bid in a new suit is forcing and has failed to limit his strength. Jump to three spades, as North did in today's deal, to suggest extra values and three-card support. You would settle for a two-spade preference with Q 7, 5 2, A 7 6 4 2, A K 3 2.


Your result so far:

A: 3♣: Since you have balanced pattern and the strength for game, a raise to 3NT might be a winning action. Still, your red-suit weakness, strong spades and club values argue for seeking a spade contract. Some partnerships have artificial methods to find a 5-3 spade fit here. Lacking such methods, jump to three clubs to force.


Your result so far:

A: 3♥ (if 3♣ was forcing): Most partnerships agree that responder's jump-preference in opener's first suit is forcing. A few treat it as invitational. Whatever your agreement, you have enough strength to act again. If partner's three clubs invited game, bid five clubs. If it was forcing, bid three hearts.


Your result so far: