BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WHAT should South bid?

In both cases you are in the rather unenviable position of having to bid on two points, and the fact that east passed and did not redouble seems to indicate that north’s double is a pretty strong one.

Many players use a ‘Herbert’ negative when put in a position such as South’s. This is a bid of the next higher-ranking suit to show not even a four-card suit which can be bid at the one-level.

So in (a), using this convention, you would bid 1♥, which promises nothing except that you have a fourcard heart suit. Partner won’t go mad, as he will probably be able to judge that your hand is very weak, but at least you will have answered his question as to your best suit.

In (b) your only four-card suit is the one which has been opened and doubled. you can’t possibly bid anything but a negative 1♠.

Don’t forget that, if the east player bids, this lets South off the hook, so that any bid he does make becomes ‘positive’.