Show your shape and strength by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♣: You could make a case for bidding two spades, since you have denied three-card support already (switch the majors, and that case becomes even better). However, since you are facing a card-showing double with an emphasis on takeout, I would simply bid three clubs, getting your minor-suit pattern across as efficiently as possible. There may be room to show spade support later.


Your result so far:

A: Double: With 5-3-3-2 shape and a doubleton in the opponents' suit, few would argue with overcalling in your long suit at the one-level. At the two-level, issues of suit quality and tactics play a part. Here, your suit is good, but you do have only five; and yes, doubling may get partner to compete in spades -- but are you sure that is such a bad idea? I would double rather than bid two diamonds.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Your partner has indicated he is willing to compete to the two-level, and this hand could hardly be better, given that you have remained silent so far. Bid three hearts and let partner take it from there -- yours not to reason why.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠: Your first reaction may be to redouble, to show a good hand; but I'd encourage you to bid naturally over a double in situations like this. You should respond one spade, planning to invite or drive to game in diamonds later. But since a spade game may be easier to make, get the suit in before the opponents start leaping in hearts or clubs and pre-empt you out of showing what you have.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠: This hand is not worth an invitational sequence, since you need more than just a couple of extra high cards and an eight-card fit to get you close to game here. But you are certainly planning to compete to at least the two-level, if necessary, so respond one spade, planning to bid hearts at your next turn if the opponents bid a second time.

Your result so far: