How strong do you feel? by Bobby Wolff

A: 2♦: You have enough points to consider driving to game, but a jump to three diamonds somewhat overstates your shape, while raising to two no-trump may lose the diamond fit. Perhaps a reasonable middle course is to bid two diamonds, hoping that the auction does not end here, but planning to bid two no-trump after partner shows preference for two spades.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Typically, opener tries to find a second call in this auction, but is more inclined to do so when short in hearts. With three small hearts, you must assume partner is weak rather than having a penalty double of hearts, and he's certainly not going to have spades. Everything points toward passing now, since heart length is so unlikely in light of your own holding in that suit.


Your result so far:

A: 3NT: The raise to two hearts can be based on either four trumps or an unbalanced hand with three trumps, so many people use two no-trump here as a forcing relay to find out partner's shape and range. I think a simpler route is to bid three no-trump and let partner decide which game he wants to play.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: This hand does not have a right answer. You could pass, but that seems too likely to let the opponents reach slam. You could leap to six hearts at once, which does have a lot to recommend it, if not vulnerable. However, if vulnerable, you could try a more restrained approach and bid four hearts, which might allow the opponents to stop in game if they are feeling cautious.

Your result so far:

A: Double: It feels right to double two clubs, which simply shows extras and is not purely for penalty -- even if you would like it to be! When the opponents have agreed on a suit, most low-level doubles show extras. Here, when partner removes the double, you plan to bid two no-trump, suggesting these values.

Your result so far: