ACES ON BRIDGE

DEAR MR. WOLFF: My partner recently held ; 6-4-2, k —-, l A-K-J-8-7-4-2, ' Q-75 at favorable vulnerability. I opened a weak two spades, and the next hand passed. What should partner bid? — Outgunned, Levittown, Pa.

DEAR READER: I would raise preemptively to four spades. The opponents surely have a big heart fit, and I would like to make it difficult for them to find it. Who knows, four spades might even make if the diamonds come in. I do not plan to bid again, though. A simple three-diamond call, planning to save later, gives the opponents two chances.

DEAR MR. WOLFF: Is there any case for bypassing a poor four-card heart suit in favor of a strong fourcard spade suit in response to partner’s one-of-a-minor opening? — Bad Practice, Portland, Ore. DEAR READER: No, I do not think so. You might bid one spade with 4-4 in the majors in a pinch with four small hearts, king-queen-jack-low in spades and nothing else (making it more likely that you would lose the auction), to get spades into the game and direct the lead. Otherwise, I would just respond one heart, lest I miss a 4-4 heart fit. Quantity generally outweighs quality in the bidding.

DEAR MR. WOLFF: You pick up ; 8-7-6-2, k A-10-2,

l A-K-6-4, CLUBS J-5 and open one diamond in fourth position at unfavorable colors. Partner responds one spade. What would you do next?

— Go Low, Kansas City, Mo.

DEAR READER: Game is not really in the picture facing a passed partner, even with these good controls and a ruffing value, so I would pass. I am not concerned about the opponents outbidding us in a red suit, since I have the boss suit and they have not yet entered the auction, despite the suitable vulnerability for them. If they protect to two hearts, say, I can compete to two spades. DEAR MR. WOLFF: How much stock can you put in an opponent’s hesitation? Should one always assume opponents are honest? — Risky Business, Selma, Ala.

DEAR READER: You should initially assume that an honest opponent who pauses has a reason to think. When you lead up to a tenace in dummy, a pause from second hand implies that the ace is onside. You can also infer that a player who hesitates in the play probably does not have a singleton in the suit led. It is trickier in the bidding. I would tend not to read anything into a slow bid or a slow pass, especially if online, where logistical factors could be in play. DEAR MR. WOLFF: You hear a strong no-trump opening on your right. Would you act with ; A-5-3-2, k Q-8-6-5, l A-K-6-2, ' 6, not vulnerable against vulnerable opponents?

— Off-shape, Worcester, Mass.

DEAR READER: I would overcall two clubs to show the majors. This hand will play well even in a 4-3 fit, but its defensive value is doubtful. If partner bids two diamonds, suggesting no clear preference for either major, I might gamble a pass.