Should you bid with these hands? by Bobby Wolff

A: 2NT: Do you feel lucky? I can't say it comes with a guarantee, but when the opponents have announced a fit and you have the opportunity to balance, you should take it whenever it looks close. Bid two no-trump, mainly for the minors. The reason is that this keeps the auction open and gives the opponents a chance to make a mistake if they want to.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: Your expected final contract here must be four hearts, but don't jump to game. You might miss a slam or mislead partner about your hand type if the opponents sacrifice. I would jump to two no-trump as a limit raise or better, typically with four trumps. This has the benefit of keeping the opponents from making a cheap lead-directing call -- which they might do if you redouble initially.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Although there are worse six-card majors, I would counsel you not to open a weak two on a suit like this without intermediates, headed by only the ace. This is because you might have three or four losers in the suit facing a singleton -- and might also be able to take the ace and a ruff on defense. Your strong heart fragment is also a negative for pre-empting.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠: You have far too good a hand to pass. While repeating diamonds is possible, it feels better to ask partner to describe his hand by cue-bidding three spades. You would plan to raise a call in either minor or pass a bid of three no-trump.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your partner's raise here is a serious game try. I'd expect a hand with at least an ace more than an opening bid. Yes, you would rather have a fifth heart or a little more shape in the minors, but I think you have enough to bid on to game if you trust your partner. If partner had raised in competition, it would not carry the same guarantee of extras.

Your result so far: