BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You decide to open 1 ♦ instead of 1 ♠ on the above hand. What do you rebid when partner responds with (a) 2 ♣ (b) 1 ♥ ?

In the first case, you are obliged to rebid in NT, because the alternative of showing your second suit with 2 ♠ would be a reverse bid, and would guarantee a longer diamond suit than spades.

After a 1 ♥ response, you have a choice between 2nT, 1 ♠ or 2 ♠ , any of which could prove to be a bad option. 2nT certainly describes the balanced distribution and 17 HCPs, but it risks missing a safer major suit contract when partner has either five hearts or four spades.

The danger of bidding 1 ♠ is that it may well be passed, and a better contract in hearts missed. The hand is a little strong for a simple one-level rebid, but a forcing rebid of 2 ♠ would guarantee at least five diamonds.

So, no choice is ideal, and this points to a preference for opening 1 ♠ instead of 1 ♦ in the first place.