BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

* Fourth Suit Forcing PLAyiNG Teams, at Love All, what do you bid next in the above auction? I SAID on Monday this was the type of hand to relish with a partner who enjoys bidding constructively. It illustrates the importance of preserving bidding space by not making an immediate jump force.

It also highlights why it is important to have a good understanding with partner about the proper use of Fourth Suit Forcing (in this case 2 ♦ ). Any further bid by the FSF bidder is game forcing and I recommend it is also used to show slam interest.

Your 3 ♣ bid fixes the trump suit (clubs) and the remaining space below game level can be used for cue-bidding.

South has shown his 3-5-1-4 distribution in response to your 2 ♦ . Now, his 3 ♥ is a cue bid showing ♥ A. You bid 3 ♠ to cue bid your ♠ A. Remember that when cue bidding after the trump suit has been agreed, you start by showing your first-round controls in ascending order. Tomorrow, we’ll see both hands with the full auction.