How much is your hand worth? By Bobby Wolff

A: 3♦: Whether two clubs is a one-round force or a game-force, I believe you are supposed to jump to three diamonds now, suggesting a solid suit (or missing only the ace or king) and more than a minimum hand. Purists or pedants may quarrel with my interpretation of this hand as possessing a solid suit -- or indeed, extras. I'll stick to my guns.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: There is no need to bid right now. You described your hand nicely at your first turn and have no idea whether to play for penalties or declare hearts. Fortunately, you do not have to act. Your partner knows approximately what you have, so pass and let him decide what to do next. Incidentally, with your spades and clubs switched, you might double.


Your result so far:

A: 2♦: Facing a forcing no-trump, your choice is whether to bid two clubs, then perhaps introduce the diamonds, or to bid the minors in the other order. I marginally prefer bidding diamonds first. That keeps the auction more under control. Note that partner almost certainly has a respectable hand; the opponents haven't bid spades with 10 spades between them.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: Your partner's cue-bid should be construed initially as asking for a spade guard, not a heart raise, so bid two no-trump now. With support doubles becoming more and more popular on all hands with three trumps, your partner likely either has four trumps (and will let you know about it unambiguously at his next turn) or is looking for a spade stopper. Assume the latter until he tells you different.


Your result so far:

A: 2♠: This hand is certainly too good to pass. The question is whether your hand is worth more than a simple raise to two spades. I'd say no: With such sterile distribution, maybe a little caution is appropriate. Give yourself a doubleton diamond, and you might think about a jump to three spades.

Your result so far: