How strong is partner? by Frank Stewart

A: Pass: You don't need much to bid two spades. (You would only be "raising" the suit for which partner implied support.) But you must draw the line somewhere, and this hand is too weak. Pass. Partner will have another chance to act. You would try two spades with A Q 3 2, 6 5 3, 7 4 3 2, 5 3.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: Slam is possible if partner has the right cards: strong hearts, the ace of diamonds (but not the K-Q) and the king of clubs. Bid three clubs. If he goes to 3NT next, bid four hearts to suggest a hand with shortness in diamonds and slam interest. If partner has 8 7, A K 9 6 5 2, A 7 6, K 7, he will bid slam.


Your result so far:

A: No, Pass: Though 1NT showed 16 to 18 points, South's bid was questionable. He survived because North had a fair hand but might have been doubled and mangled if North had nothing. Since South had few sure winners but good defense, and East-West were vulnerable, a pass would have been sound.

Your result so far:

A: Double: At any vulnerability and form of scoring, double. You wouldn't have enough strength to double an opening bid of one heart at your right, but a "balancing" action requires less strength than usual. To sell out cheaply when your partner is marked with some points would be defeatist. Get in there and fight for the partscore.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: Your partner has signed off below game. He has only three-card heart support, five or six clubs and minimum values. Pass. To return to three hearts might be a winning action, but to persist with 3NT would be a clear error.


Your result so far: