Close Decisions by Bobby Wolff

A: Double: This is a rare hand where I think many experts would reject overcalling in a five-card major and take some other action instead. If you bid hearts, the spades may get lost, while passing is out of the question and a one-spade overcall is not my cup of tea. I would double, and blame partner if he cannot find a major to bid.

Your result so far:

A: 5♣: The three-heart call may be natural, with 5-4 shape, or bidding out values, indirectly looking for no-trump, but without half a stopper in diamonds. If North had jack-third or queen-doubleton in diamonds, he might have bid three diamonds here. Since no-trump is not in the picture now, I would jump to five clubs to suggest a hand that has been improved by the action, indirectly suggesting short diamonds.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣ - There are several choices one might consider, but you should avoid forcing to game with a jump to three clubs. This hand is nowhere near strong enough for such an action when partner has bid your singleton. A bid of two no-trump is certainly reasonable, but the alternative of bidding two clubs (planning to bid again, showing extras, if the auction continues) would be my choice.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Not every hand contains the possibility for game or slam. Your promising 18-count has turned to dust and ashes, and you have no reason to believe that this is your hand anymore. If you were to bid one no-trump, you might expose your side to a large penalty, and redouble could be costlier still. I would simply pass and await developments; you may yet be able to re-open if the auction peters out.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: In the olden days, I would have responded two no-trump here without a second thought. I can, however, see that with a hand that is a clear slam-try facing whatever suit my partner has, I might be better advised to temporize with two diamonds. If my partner has a two-suiter with spades, this saves valuable space.

Your result so far: