What's the correct contract here? by Bobby Wolff

A: Double: When the opponents intervene in a game-forcing sequence where your side has not found a fit, double by your partner should be penalty, and a double by you should be defensive, not guaranteeing more than three trumps. That being so, you have a very easy double; since neither side seems to have a fit and your side has enough high cards for game, you should be able to extract a sizeable penalty.


Your result so far:

A: 2♦: Whether your partner's one no-trump call is forcing or not, it doesn't feel like you should pass here with an unbalanced hand. But what to bid? My instincts are to bid two diamonds, rather than repeat the hearts, to show six, or to bid two spades, which would require at least an extra king.

Your result so far:

A: 4NT: Your partner's double is between optional and takeout; you are expected to remove the double with any hand where you might hope to make your contract. Since your values, such as they are, are in the right place, you should act. Rather than guess at the best suit to play in, bid four no-trump, showing a two-suiter and asking partner to pick his better minor. You will correct five diamonds to five hearts.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your partner should have extra values and something very close to a 5-3-1-4 pattern. My guess as to our side's best game is four hearts -- though it may be more challenging to play than the 4-4 club fit. Regardless, I would raise to four hearts and let partner retreat to the club game if he doesn't want to play hearts.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: This hand comes down to a simple choice: Do you rebid one no-trump, limiting the hand but running the risk of losing a club fit (especially since partner's two-club call would be a relay -- New Minor, not natural)? Or do you bid two clubs, showing this basic pattern, but in the process perhaps emphasizing suit quality? Put me down in the two-club camp; get your shape right and the rest will follow.

Your result so far: