Stewart0034 by Frank Stewart

A: 4♥: Partner's hand is unclear. If he had A Q 3 2, A K J 6 5, 10 3, 9 3, he would have bid 3NT at his third turn. With A K 2, K J 7 6 5, Q 4 3, 9 3, he would have taken a three-diamond preference. I would expect his three spades to be a "grope" with a hand such as A 3 2, A K J 7 6 5, 10 3, 9 3. Bid four hearts.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: To double and impel you to respond at the four level, your partner has a hand worth at least 19 points. You have two options: to pass for penalty or to try 3NT. Pass if the opponents are vulnerable. If not, bid 3NT. You can expect to win at least nine tricks at notrump easily.

Your result so far:

A: Double: In today's deal, South reached a decent contract by bidding 3NT. Still, that would not be the choice of most experts because it consumes space, leaving no room to look for other contracts. Many experts would make a negative double, showing -- by agreement -- hearts but a hand unsuitable to bid two hearts. They would bid more later.


Your result so far:

A: 3♦: Even if partner has minimum values, you can make a slam if his high cards are in the right place. Honors such as the king of hearts and ace of clubs (but not the K-Q) will be ideal. To let him judge, bid three diamonds, forcing. You will support the spades next, suggesting club shortness and slam interest.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: You have enough values to compete at the level of three and may have a game if partner has more than minimum strength for his double. Bid three hearts. If you have a game, it's more likely to be at hearts, where partner's double implies good support, not just a tolerance.

Your result so far: