BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

I understand that most tournament players are advised to open 1 ♥ on the above hand, and this will certainly cause no problem on results, if the whole field is doing the same. However, this is not the correct acol bid, for it breaks our basic rule of always planning the sensible rebid in any eventuality.

this was the only other hand, with which I was at odds, from the comprehensive bidding challenge, ostensibly based on acol methods. those who use

the strong no trump would presumably open 1nt; however, the majority of today’s Pairs players would inevitably open 1 ♥ here, instead of 1 ♠ — and that is the recommended choice. It is not, however, the sensible acol choice, because it fails to plan for all likely responses. When responder bids 2 ♦ , you are still expected to rebid with 2nt; then the defence are quite likely to take the first four or five club tricks.

the acol option is to treat this hand as a major two-suiter, and to open 1 ♠ , planning to rebid 2 ♥ after 2 ♦ . With such a solid suit, it is not likely to be a disaster if partner assumes you have five spades. the worst scenario, when you open 1 ♥ , is that partner holds: ♠ xx ♥ Qxx ♦ Jxxx ♣ QJxx and his response will be a simple raise to 2 ♥ ! But, after 1 ♠ , he would obviously respond 1nt.