BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

Playing Pairs, what would you bid on this hand after partner opens 2nT (20-22). Would your bidding be different playing Teams or rubber? I doubt if there are many pairs that have a method of bidding such hands accurately.

unless you’re one of them, I’d recommend that you take the bull by the horns and just bid 6Nt. With a minimum joint 34 HCPs, you intend to be in a slam and because it’s Pairs, you’ll lose out by playing in a minor, if 12 tricks are also available in No trumps.

the opponents should not have as much as an ace and king between them, so unless you have the means to find a minor-suit Grand Slam, go for the simple target.

(For the gadget-minded, I have a conventional agreement with some partners whereby a bid of 3♠ shows slam interest in a minor — perfect for this hand).