Standard situations? by Frank Stewart

A: 6♥: Partner's jump in his own suit promises a six-card or seven-card suit and 15 to 17 high-card points. Slam is likely: A hand such as 3, A K 10 9 6 5, K 7 5, A Q 6 may yield 13 tricks, hence a direct jump to six hearts would be my choice. If you prefer to dally, bid four diamonds.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT: If your partner's jump-preference is forcing, bid 3NT. He need not pass if his hand is highly distributional. If, as in the style of many partnerships, partner's three diamonds is invitational, you have a close decision. If vulnerable, I would certainly bid again.


Your result so far:

A: 3♠: It would be easy enough to accept the transfer by bidding two spades, but your hand couldn't be much stronger in support of spades, and four spades might be a good contract when your partner would pass you at two. Jump to three spades to encourage him. He might hold K 10 5 4 3, 7 5 3, A 3, 10 9 6.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Your partner has "reversed." Since you might be obliged to return to clubs (at the three level) despite a weak hand, he must have substantial extra strength. Slam is possible. Partner may hold 2, A K 9 2, K Q 5, K Q J 5 2. For the moment, raise to three hearts to set the trump suit.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: You have enough ammunition to insist on game, hence you need not strain to show your four-card major suit immediately. Bid two clubs to show your long suit. If partner rebids two diamonds, you will continue economically with two spades. If your hand were Q 10 9 7, 3, Q 3 2, A 8 6 5 3, to respond one spade would be correct.


Your result so far: