How well do you know your competitive auctions? by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♦: First things first: Your partner's double is not penalty. It shows real extras, typically with three hearts. In context, you might have enough to jump to four hearts now, or cue-bid three diamonds en route to a game in no-trump or hearts. A more cautious approach would be to bid just three hearts, I suppose.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: I don't think this hand is really worth responding one no-trump. In my experience, when facing a third-hand opener, I like to have full value for such a call. (I'd say the range was a good seven to a bad 10.) While you might find that the consequence of passing was to miss a part-score, there is a lot to be said for waiting one round before deciding whose hand it really is.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: In this position, there is no need to insist on playing no-trump. Facing a singleton spade, you might struggle in three no-trump while being able to make game or slam in a different strain. Start by bidding two diamonds, which is natural and forcing. No-trump can always come later.


Your result so far:

A: Double: While double would be takeout here, and your hand is not the classical shape for this action, the best way to set up a game force and show spades is to double, then rebid your suit. Since you would bid a direct two or three spades with a limited hand, this is how to force to game.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: There seem to be a lot of points in this deck! Nonetheless, you should show what you have by cue-bidding two diamonds, promising a high card raise in spades. The fact that this hand is balanced should not discourage you from describing what you have and letting partner in on the secret.


Your result so far: