BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

Your rHo opens 1♦ and you pass naturally; LHo bids 1♠, and your partner (North) intervenes with 2NT, after which East bids 3♠. What action, if any, do you take now? (1♦-P-1♠-2NT-3♠-?). First, it is important to recognise that North’s jump overcall in No trumps is conventional — not natural.

Universally in tournament play, and generally at the rubber bridge table, it is acceptable to use the 2Nt overcall to show a two-suited hand (at least 5-5). it normally shows the minors but, when a minor and major have already been bid by the opponents, it shows the two unbid suits.

the hand’s strength is based on distributional values, and it may have a low honour point count, dependant on vulnerability.

Here, you know that North holds hearts and clubs and therefore you hold a minimum ten-card fit. Noting the favourable vulnerability, you should then have no problem in bidding direct to 5♣.

if this contract fails, you can be certain that the opponents can make 4♠, and you will have made a successful sacrifice. it would be absolutely pointless to bid a mere 4♣, which does nothing to obstruct the opponents, and passes a decision to partner, which you are better placed to make yourself.