BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

Each side is game and 60 at rubber bridge and your Rho (East) opens 2NT (20-22). What action would you take?

I Believe that opinion will be divided into three camps on this one. Your choice may depend on your psychology, and your opponents.

(1) Pass and expect to run the first seven tricks for a tame 200.

(2) Double, hoping that this will be left in for 500; if West retreats to a minor, you have to reveal your heart suit.

(3) bid 4 ♥ (my favourite) which may well get doubled and should be odds on. You only have spade losers and, if partner holds some, the opponents will be short; conversely, if the opponents have spades, partner will be short and you hope to get ruffs.

3 ♥ would be sufficient to take the rubber, but this leaves the door open for West to compete in a minor, against which you have no defence.

As you’d intend to go to game if pushed, it’s best to bid it straight away.