Bidding is not always an exact science! by Frank Stewart

A: Pass: This is an uneasy situation. A rebid of two spades would be defensible, but partner may have no tolerance for spades at all; his hand may take a few tricks only if hearts are trumps. My advice: When the deal is a misfit, don't tempt fate. Stop bidding. I would pass.

Your result so far:

A: 1♥: Expert opinion would vary. Many experts would double, risking a diamond response (the hand isn't strong enough to double and then bid the hearts) and hoping to locate a fit in either major. I prefer to get the five-card suit mentioned quickly. I would overcall one heart, hoping partner will bid spades if he has length there.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Your partner has minimum opening values but a self-sufficient heart suit. He may have a control in diamonds, but even so, slam may depend on a finesse at best, and even a contract of five hearts may not be a laydown. Pass and take your all-but-certain game.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Many experts treat a raise to two hearts here as a featherweight action -- a mild obstructive move. Many experts would choose that action. I would pass. I prefer to have one sure trick as well as heart support to raise. With K 8 6 3 2, 10 6 5 3, 8, 10 8 7, everyone would jump to three hearts, preemptive.


Your result so far:

A: 2♠: It would be easy to bid 3NT -- you have opening values, balanced pattern and two spade tricks -- but the hand has slam potential. Partner would pass 3NT with a hand such as K 5 3, 4, A K 10 6 3, K Q 6 5 when six diamonds would be a reasonable undertaking. Bid two spades, the "fourth suit," and see how partner continues.

Your result so far: