BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WHAT would you respond on this hand, after partner opens 1 ♥ ?

ACoL gives you three options, none of which is completely descriptive of your hand, so your choice depends on partnership style. Here are the three options:

n 1nT, showing a balanced 6-9 points, is not ideal because you have no spade stopper.

n 2 ♥ is better than the first option, as it is an equally limited response. Partner probably has at least five hearts, but even a 4-3 fit will be fine as you can protect against an attack in spades.

n 2 ♣ is by some margin my preferred choice. You will then pass when partner rebids 2 ♥ or 2nT — it’s your most honest response and if you end up defending with partner on lead, he’ll know to lead a club. We frequently get hands on which there’s more than one option, and it’s worthwhile to consider the pros and cons of each before making a choice.

I suggested a pass when you bid 2 ♣ and partner then bids 2nT, but here again you have a judgment to make because your hand is borderline for a raise to game and your diamond holding might tip the balance in favour.

If you decide to bid again, your choice must be 3 ♥ — not 3nT. Partner might well have a five-card suit and you give him the option of the final contract.