Aces on Bridge

Dear Mr. Wolff: My partner opened four hearts the other day, and when four spades was passed back to him, he doubled, which I interpreted as being for penalty. Partner had other ideas, and four spades made. What do you think?

— Action Man, Honolulu, Hawaii

Answer: When someone preempts, they are usually not supposed to bid again unless called upon by their partner. Four-level jumps are different. They can be made on a wide variety of hands, and the bidder may sometimes have significant extras. If so, he can double to show extra offense and maybe high cards, offering his partner a choice. It is not a straight penalty double but an “action” double.

Dear Mr. Wolff: When playing at Bridge Base Online, a lot of my opponents tell me to hurry up when I am considering my play. I think this behavior is rude, but it seems commonplace. What should I do?

— Speed Ball, Hartford,

Connecticut

Answer: It is rude. Every player must be allowed time to think. I would ignore the people rushing you. If need be, you can even close the “chat” section on the site so you will not have to see these comments.

Dear Mr. Wolff: Ihave seen mention of a Rosenkranz redouble, but I am not sure what it is. Please enlighten me.

— Contrast Septum,

Selma, Alabama

Answer: The late George Rosenkranz suggested that when partner make a one-level overcall and your right-hand opponent doubles for takeout, you can redouble to show honor-doubleton (ace or king usually) in partner’s suit. It does not promise values, being only leaddirecting, but partner can freely underlead in his suit or compete effectively when he has a six-card suit. Traditionally, though, the redouble shows values and length in the unbid suit, normally with tolerance for partner’s suit.

Dear Mr. Wolff: You hold this collection: ♠ 7, ♥ 109-8-5-3-2, ♦ K-8-6-2, ♣ 8-3. At favorable, you pass as dealer. Partner opens two clubs (strong), you bid two diamonds, partner rebids three clubs and you show your hearts. Partner continues with three spades. What now?

— Choice of Games, Kansas City, Missouri

Answer: I think I am expected to bid three no-trump with a diamond stopper, and I would do just that. It is not my responsibility, when I know little about partner’s hand, to decide that no-trump is not right based on my own heart weakness. Clubs could be the right strain, but in that case, partner may bid on anyway. Of course, three spades could be based on a concentration of values rather than length.

Dear Mr. Wolff: What would you lead from ♠ 4-3-2, ♥ 9-8-4, ♦ 8-64, ♣ K-10-8-3 after the uncontested auction: one club — one spade — one no-trump - three spades — four diamonds — six spades?

— Big Game, Grand Forks,

North Dakota

Answer: I would not lead dummy’s suit with this holding and if a diamond were right, partner might have doubled the fourdiamond cue-bid. I would opt for a heart and lead the nine here, not a small card.