Bidding Quiz
1. Three hearts. The usual rules that govern responses to an opening bid are suspended when an opponent intervenes with a takeout double. The guiding principle is that most responses that would have been forcing without the double are not forcing after the double.
Accordingly, the recommended threeheart bid — which for some would be game-forcing, and invitational for those who play limit raises — becomes preemptive. Partner goes on to game only when he holds well above minimum strength.
2. Two hearts. This shows a weak hand with moderate trump support, but lacking the distributional features that a threeheart bid would imply.
3. One spade. This tells partner you have a five-card suit (or a very strong four-card suit) and that you lack the values for a redouble (see answer to No.4). A one-overone bid after an opposing takeout double suggests a hand in the six- to nine-point range.
4. Redouble. A redouble shows 10 points or more in high cards and does not necessarily guarantee support for opener’s suit. Usually, the opener passes at his next turn to allow the redoubler a chance to bid over whatever action the opponents have taken. The essential message of the redouble is that the opener’s side has the balance of strength and must therefore either buy the contract or double the opponents for penalties.
5. Two diamonds. Similar to No.3. After a double, this indicates a strong suit and not much else, and is not forcing. Note that if Easte had not doubled, you would not have enough points to bid two diamonds (you would have had to bid one notrump instead).
6. Pass. This diamond suit is not good enough to bid on the two-level. If partner has a really good hand, he will indicate it at his next turn, and you can then take whatever action you feel is appropriate.
7. One notrump. In general, the one notrump bid over a double indicates seven to nine points and balanced distribution — exactly what you have. Concealing your values by passing could lead to a difficult bidding problem later on.
Tomorrow: A sure-fire proposition.