Pass? Double? A bid? by Bobby Wolff

A: 4NT: If you haven't seen this auction before, you might be lulled into thinking it shows a great hand with clubs. So it does -- but it also guarantees four hearts and game-forcing values. So bid four no-trump, Blackwood or Key-card for hearts, planning to head to at least a small slam.

Your result so far:

A: 2♠: Your partner's rebid of one no-trump shows a balanced hand but does not deny four of a major. You can bid two spades to show at least a good invitation to game with four spades, and let partner decide what to do next. There is no need to jump around in the auction. By bidding diamonds before spades, you have shown a good hand -- since with a one-bid hand, you would likely have started by bidding the major.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: Players get paranoid about the fact that a one-club opener may be only a three-card suit. So it might -- but that doesn't mean it is. Partner normally has four, and this is especially true in third seat, where a minimum opener might prefer a decent four-card major to a bad club suit. This points to the right call here being to raise to two clubs, an action I much prefer to passing or, worse, responding one no-trump.

Your result so far:

A: Double: As a passed hand, if you decide you want to come into the auction, a decision I would agree with, the safest way is with a double. This suggests something close to a maximum pass and the unbid suits, plus tolerance for partner. You have nothing to spare for this call, but it is your only chance to get into the auction, so you should take it.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: I can see the logic in rebidding my hearts to suggest a minimum hand unsuitable for defense, but do I want to play in hearts facing shortness? I think not. I would pass and see how the auction pans out. I would certainly be prepared to sit for a penalty double if my partner makes one -- no matter which suit the opponents finish in.

Your result so far: