BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

♠ K72 ♥ AJ3 ♦ Q 10 7 4 ♣ KJ6

YOUR partner deals and opens 1 ♦ . What would you respond? IN ACOL, this is a classic hand for a direct raise to 3NT simply because you have no alternate constructive bid available. This bid promises a balanced 13 to 15hCPs, with no biddable four-card major.

With game values, you are too strong to make a jump raise to 3 ♦ , which is not forcing, and could be passed; 4 ♦ could also be passed and shows a more distributional hand with longer diamonds; and 5 ♦ is an unnecessary punt, when you find three inescapable losers, with the same ten tricks available in NTs.

Bidding addicts who dislike this direct game raise might suggest a temporising 1 ♥ , but this is unnecessary, and potentially dangerous if partner holds something such as ♠ x ♥ Kxxx

♦ AKxxxx ♣ A x, and raises to 4 ♥ , the hand could fall apart on a likely 4-2 trump break.

A good partner will not be inconvenienced by your bid. If he is strong, with a near Forcing Two opener or big distribution, he will bid on over 3NT — and this should be treated as slam invitational.