Contract Bridge
1. Three clubs. Partner’s double followed by his two-club bid identifies a hand that was too good for a direct overcall in clubs initially.
Such a strength-showing sequence should be accorded due respect by responder. Here you have seven points in high cards and might have had none. The raise to three clubs does not show a big hand -- it merely tells partner that in view of his bidding you have a much better hand than you might have had for your forced response of one spade. If partner bids three spades next -indicating three-card support for your suit -- you should happily carry on to four.
2. Two notrump. Here again you have substantial values that have not yet been identified for partner, and the best way of showing them is by making an encouraging move toward game. But this time, with two diamond stoppers and a notrump type of hand, the obvious bid is two notrump. The weakness in hearts and spades is largely discounted, since partner is very likely to have some strength in both of these suits.
3. Four clubs. The prospects for game are even better with this hand than with either of the preceding hands. True, you have less in high cards, but your more attractive distribution and excellent trump support easily justify the jump-raise. A single raise in clubs would vastly understate the game prospects; in fact, a raise to five clubs comes closer to hitting the mark than three clubs.
Partner cannot possibly read your jump to four clubs as showing a powerful hand, since your previous response of one spade indicated limited values. Had your hand been a queen better, you would have responded to the double initially with two spades.
4. Two hearts. Game is by no means impossible, despite the ragged nature of your hand. Partner could easily have four hearts on this auction, and if he does not, your heart bid will give him a chance to show three-card support for spades. If partner raises two hearts to three, which would guarantee four-card support, you should bid four without reservation.
Tomorrow: Silence is golden.