BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

NS Vulnerable

EAST opens 1♥ and his partner raises to 2♥. Your partner (North) now bids 3♥ and East passes; what action would you take on this South hand? YOU will be reluctant to make any bid at all on this wretched hand. However, partner has bid the opponents’ suit, which is the strongest bid he can make.

Since your side is vulnerable, you can be sure he has the values for game in his own hand and he wants to discover your best suit, as well as seeing if a slam is possible.

He will normally be guaranteeing first round control of hearts (ace or void), as well as support for the other major.

Armed with this information, you have no problem in bidding 3♠, your best suit. Partner could pass this, but will almost certainly raise you to game. If, instead, he next bids 4♣ or 4♦, you would raise him to game in his minor.