BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

What would you bid next in the above auction? The answer to this really depends on how well you know your partner’s style. Does he overbid, knowing that you might be weak? Would he bid a new suit with three-card support for yours?

he could have passed, so the free bid suggests that he has a reasonable six-card suit at the very least. If you ask yourself these questions, you’ll realise that there’s little point in revealing your second suit.

You’re not going to play in 5 ♦ at Pairs even with a fit, so conceal your diamonds as a secret weapon. Your decision therefore is whether to pass or raise hearts. Your singleton in the opponent’s suit makes your doubleton trump extremely valuable and tips the balance in favour of bidding. If you decide to raise, bid straight to game and don’t leave the decision to partner.