How much is your hand worth? by Frank Stewart

A: 3♦: You have 11 points and some useful honors, hence game is possible, and you should invite. You can't -- or shouldn't -- bid 2NT with no semblance of a spade trick. Raise to three diamonds. You would rather have a third diamond, but you must make do with what the card gods dealt you.


Your result so far:

A: 3♠: Partner's double is for takeout. Since you might be obliged to respond at the level of three, his hand will be worth at least 16 points. Jump to three spades to invite game. You have a fifth spade and six useful points. You would bid two spades with 8 6 4 2, 9 6 5, 8 4, J 7 3 2.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: A grand slam is possible -- give partner J 5 4, A 4 3, A Q 10 7 3, Q 2 -- and good ways are available to investigate. Many pairs would treat a response of three spades as a "splinter bid" to show a diamond fit, spade shortness and slam interest. My choice would be a jump-shift to three clubs, planning to support the diamonds next.


Your result so far:

A: 3♠: It's unclear where the other players are finding their bids, but you must bid the value of your cards. Jump to three spades, inviting game. If you are vulnerable, to risk four spades would be reasonable. You would bid two spades to compete if your king of hearts were a low heart.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: Slam is likely. A minimum for partner such as K Q 8 7 3, A 4 2, J 6 5, Q 3 may yield 13 tricks. A response of two clubs is possible. If partner next bids two diamonds, you can jump to four spades to describe this hand. If he rebids two spades, you can bid four diamonds as a "splinter." I like an immediate jump-shift to three clubs.

Your result so far: