In bidding, there is not always black and white by Bobby Wolff

In bidding, there is not always black and white.

Sometimes several bids can be "right" and it will depend on the whole deal (and maybe on your partner's and opponents' style) which one turns out to be the most sucessful one. Some of today's questions offer more than one possible bids; I always give the points for the one that I prefer.

If you don't agree, don't get upset but be sure you treat those situations the same way as your partner.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 6 3
♥ 10 7 6
♦ A 5
♣ A K 6 4 3 2

Q: 1 - What do you bid as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♦
2♣	Pass	2♦	Double
?

A: Redouble: The two-diamond call shows a club raise, and after the double, your weakest action is to bid three clubs -- but I think your quick tricks make your hand too strong for that. I would redouble to show the diamond ace, trying to right-side no-trump if your partner has queen-third or even jack-third of diamonds.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A K J 3
♥ J 7
♦ 8 6 5 4
♣ A K Q

Q: 2 - How do you open that hand as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	Pass
?

A: 1♣: The days of 16-18 no-trumps are no longer with us. This hand is too good for a 15-17 no-trump, despite the awkward bunching of honors; does that mean you should open one diamond? Perhaps, but I truly have a hankering to open one club here. After all, if we have a spade fit, I'd like to find short diamonds opposite, not long diamonds, and I want partner to appreciate club length if he is in doubt.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ J 4 3
♥ K Q J 6 5 2
♦ 9
♣ A 7 4

Q: 3 - How do you open that hand as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	Pass	Pass
?

A: 2♥: There is no right answer here. Should you open one heart -- the call you'd surely make if you were in first or second seat? Should you open two hearts -- the bid you would make if you were in fourth seat, or perhaps second seat vulnerable? Or should you put your opponents under maximum pressure and open three hearts? All of these actions are reasonable, but I think I like the two-heart opening bid best.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 10 5
♥ K 8
♦ 6 5 4 2
♣ A 10 8 3 2

Q: 4 - What do you bid next as South?

South	West	North	East
-	Pass	1♠	Pass
1NT	Pass	2♥	Pass
2♠	Pass	3♦	Pass
?

A: 3 No-trump: North has shown real extra values in a three-suited hand with either three diamonds and one club or 5-4-4-0 distribution. Your assets seem to be working reasonably well in context. Should you drive to game, and if so, which? I say yes, and I think three no-trump will be easier to play than four spades. Without your decent clubs spots, you might feel different.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ J 5 2
♥ A Q 8 4
♦ 4
♣ 10 7 6 5 4

Q: 5 - 3♣: What do you bid next as South?

South	West	North	East
-	Pass	1♦	Pass
1♥	Pass	2♣	Pass
?

A: 3♣: Despite your limited values, it feels right to raise to three clubs rather than pass out two clubs. Your five trumps and your ace mean that your partner does not require a moose in order to have play for game. Equally, if your partner is light, you may be well-advised to keep the opponents out.

Your result so far:

Open Question

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Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

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