BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WhAT would you bid next as South after the above auction? FIRST, it’s important to understand the meaning of North’s 2NT bid. This shouldn’t sensibly be natural because, with a balanced 20-22 points, North would surely double or even Pass to await developments!

It is a conventional bid that shows a minor two-suiter with at least 5-5 distribution. This is a generally accepted, common-sense use of the bid in all natural bidding systems. I’m surprised that some restricted system events for beginners still do not permit its use.

The points strength of this 2NT is a matter for agreement between a partnership, but it must not be too high as the values are principally distributional.

Bearing this information in mind, you should have no difficulty in bidding straight to 5 ♦ . You may not make this and could be doubled, but the penalty is certain to be lower than the value of the opponents’ vulnerable game.

West might even decide to bid and you would have a good chance of defeating 5 ♥ .