Forcing? Non-forcing? Invitational? by Frank Stewart

A: 5♣: Your raise to three clubs invited game -- you couldn't have had much more strength for your 1NT response -- and partner's three spades is a further try for game. Since all your honors seem to be useful, jump to five clubs. Partner may hold A 8 2, 3, K Q 10 8 3, A Q 4 2.

Your result so far:

A: 3NT: This is partly a matter of temperament. Some players would jump to 3NT. That might be the best spot, and the opening leader would get no more help. Others would bid three clubs, hoping to get to four spades after partner supported the spades. I would bid 3NT but have no strong feelings.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: A new-suit bid by responder is forcing (unless he is a passed hand), but a non-jump change of suit by the opening bidder is not. Pass. You had barely enough to respond, partner did not jump at his second turn, and you can play at diamonds. You would raise to three diamonds with K Q 7 5 3, 5, A 7 5 2, 9 8 7.


Your result so far:

A: 4♥: In "Standard" methods, partner's jump-preference after his two-level response is forcing. A bid of two hearts would show a hand such as 4 3, Q J 4, 7 6 5, A K 7 3 2. Your values are minimum, but you must bid four hearts. Partner may even have a hand with slam aspirations.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Partner's three diamonds is a try for game. He asks you to resolve a close decision based on your fit for his second suit. (With a good fit in two suits, you may make game with fewer than 26 points.) Your overall strength is average, and your diamond holding is the worst. Sign off at three hearts.

Your result so far: