To force or to invite? By Frank Stewart

A: 3♠: Since your first response suggested a five-card or longer suit, partner would often have raised directly with three-card support. He has, at best, three low hearts and probably has a doubleton honor. Bid three spades. He may hold A Q 9 6 5 2, K 7, A 7, 4 3 2.

Your result so far:

A: 1♥: You have enough values to redouble, and many players would choose that action. Since the auction may turn competitive, an option is to begin to describe your hand by bidding one heart, forcing. If you redouble, you might hear (for example) two clubs at your left, pass, three clubs at your right. Then you would be awkwardly placed.


Your result so far:

A: 2♥: Game is certain, but in most partnerships, a jump to three diamonds or to three spades would not be forcing. Bid two hearts, the "fourth suit," which shows only a desire to hear more from partner. If he bids three diamonds next, suggesting a six-card suit and a good hand, you can try for a diamond slam.


Your result so far:

A: 3 ♥: This is a close case. The high-card values are minimum for a jump-rebid, but the hand is too promising for a rebid of two hearts. The strong heart spots would be the deciding factor for me. Bid three hearts. Partner would pass a rebid of two hearts with K Q 6 5 3, 6 3, 9 4, K 7 6 5 and miss a good game.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥: Bid two hearts, suggesting extra strength and game interest. You wouldn't bid a third time -- perhaps marooning your side at a weak 4-3 fit -- with a minimum hand. With A J 10 5, 10 5 2, A, K J 8 5 2, you would pass 1NT and wish partner well. He will usually have some diamond strength.


Your result so far: