BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WHAT would you bid next on the above hand?

OVER a response of 2 ♣ you would have ‘reversed’ into 2 ♠ , to show a strong (16+) hand with two suits, hearts being longer than spades. Now over responder’s 3 ♣ you must surely be having visions of a slam.

But there is no need to rush things — just clarify your hand with a rebid of 3 ♠ , which is just as much a reverse, showing a strong two-suited hand as it would have been at the lower level.

So as far as responder is concerned, you will have clarified your hand, showing both strength and something of your suit length.

Now sit back and wait for responder’s rebid, and if he doesn’t make advances towards a slam, it will be up to you to do so. The values in his forcing 3 ♣ plus your 17 HCPs should surely be worth at least a s small slam contract.