If you make a call, what should it be? by Bobby Wolff

A: 1NT: This hand is not worth forcing to game with a two-diamond response (though, if you could bid two diamonds then three diamonds, non-forcing, you should do that). Similarly, if a jump to three diamonds is invitational, you might consider that. But failing that, a call of one no-trump should keep your options sensibly open -- especially if you play it as forcing.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥: How many of you looked at your 6-count and determined that, since you had a minimum and partner had not competed, you should pass now? If so, go to the back of the class. When you have extra shape (the fifth trump) and decent values, the hand is worth a two-heart call. Partner always delivers an opening bid and heart tolerance, so you must bid your hand to the fullest.

Your result so far:

A: 1♥: The philosophy of responding to one club is not a matter of right or wrong. I believe with limited hands, one bids a major (no matter what quality) in front of a four- or five-card diamond suit. Here I bid one heart, since my partner would bypass a four-card heart suit in a balanced hand if I responded one diamond.

Your result so far:

A: Redouble: If you do not play any conventions in this sequence, redoubling then raising hearts is the best way to show these values. However, one of Marty Bergen's most useful ideas was to play that one or both of the minor-suit responses after the double of a major should be subverted for a constructive major-suit raise. For more details see bit.ly/2vFIEju.


Your result so far:

A: 3♣: No one could blame you for passing with a two-count here. But in context, you have enough (or almost enough) to compete to three clubs now. The doubleton diamonds, four trumps and a queen may not seem like much, but your partner has already shown a full reverse by competing facing a passing partner.

Your result so far: