When the opponents join the bidding by Bobby Wolff

A: 4NT: One possibility is to double, showing cards. Partner will tend only to remove with real extra shape, however. And if the opponents have 10 trumps between them, they will surely come close to making their game. My preference would be to bid four no-trump to offer partner a choice of minors.

Your result so far:

A: 1♦: You have the controls and playing strength for a one-level opener. The problem with passing is that you may not be able to get both suits in. While you have to rebid your diamonds over a likely one-spade response, I would much rather do that than open two diamonds or pass. If your side suit were spades rather than hearts, this would be a far more comfortable opening bid, since you have an easier rebid.


Your result so far:

A: Redouble: It is far from clear where you should be going on this hand. But to start with, redouble to show your partner that you believe it is your side's hand. You might make this call with somewhat less (take away the spade king, for example), so you plan to follow up with an invitational sequence, such as a jump to three hearts.


Your result so far:

A: 4♠: Your partner's three-heart call suggests length there, so your hand should fit your partner well. Your ace in the side suit is bound to be useful, and your fourth trump and useful doubleton in hearts should be enough to jump to four spades. You may have a minimum in high cards, but not all minimums are created equal.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥: This is a takeout double, and you have no reason to play for penalties just because of your singleton spade. I would bid two hearts and await further developments. If your partner doesn't have four hearts, he will surely have enough extras to be able to describe his hand properly.

Your result so far: