BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

YOUR partner deals and opens 1NT. What would you respond?

ANY bridge teacher will tell you that one of the most difficult things to do is to teach learners, and even average players, not to panic at the sight of a singleton. Another equally important ‘don’t’ is to force opener all the way up to a minor suit game contract, when 3NT is likely to be ‘solid’.

All that i say about this hand would apply equally, if the suit were in diamonds — just bid a direct 3NT. After all, you’re probably giving partner seven tricks — what more could he ask?

Keep your 3♣ or 3♦ responses for hands on which you want to invite a slam, which you certainly don’t want here. Yes, 3NT could go wrong, but so could anything. And you haven’t enough points for 3NT? Rubbish! The 7-card suit must be worth its weight in gold!