Should you bid? by Bobby Wolff

A: Double: You might make a responsive double, converting a three-heart response to three spades (suggesting a better hand than bidding three spades directly). The problem with that action is that if partner instead bids three spades over your double, you won't know what to do. Nonetheless, I think that double is right, planning to pass a three spade response and relying on partner to do more if he has extras.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: You can go low and pass, or you can respond either one no-trump or two clubs. I prefer the last of these options for two reasons. The first is that a call of one no-trump potentially wrong-sides that strain and is an overstatement of your values. Second, the opponents likely have a major-suit fit, and raising clubs makes it harder for them to find.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: You may have a weak hand, but that doesn't mean you have to roll over without a fight. Since your partner is likely short in spades, you might take a surprising number of tricks in clubs, especially if he has a five-card suit, while the opponents can also come close to making a part-score. So bid three clubs.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Without the double, you would have responded one spade, of course, in an attempt to improve the contract. But when the opponents double, it is less certain that it is your hand, and there is clearly less reason to bid, since West is about to take you off the hook. I would pass now, both to slow partner down if he has a good hand and in the hope of getting a chance to back in later, if appropriate.

Your result so far:

A: 4♦: Your partner cannot have a single-suited diamond hand, or he would have acted on his second turn. You cannot commit to no-trump, or you might find yourself off the club suit; but are you supposed to raise diamonds to allow for a possible 5-3 spade fit, or jump to five clubs to show shortage and a slam try? I might do that if my heart queen were the king, but as it is, I'll just bid four diamonds.

Your result so far: