What to Rebid?

Here is your hand:

♠AQT842
♥Q
♦AQ
♣A976

Playing matchpoints and everyone is vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1♥. The opponents are silent during the bidding. You decide to bid 1♠. Your Partner rebids 1NT.

What is your call?

Show Answer

How about ANYTHING but 2♠ or 3♠. Those are both NON-FORCING bids!

This is a tough hand to bid. One could argue that you can bid 2♠ on your VERY FIRST BID to show six or more ♠ and 17 or more HCP. You can and IF you know how to bid after a strong jump shift then you can do that. But strong jump shift do not happen very often and most partnerships do not have a good agreement on how to bid after. For example, some feel that making strong jump shift shows a suit that is SO GOOD that it can play opposite a singleton or void. Your suit is not that good. You need a couple of trump from Partner.

Some players agree to immediately start cue-bidding. Some bid still trying to find a fit. Who knows?

Unless you and Partner have a firm agreement on what the strong jump shift means then do not make a strong jump shift on the hand.

So I like the 1♠ original bid.

When Partner responds 1NT you KNOW you have a ♠ fit. Partner should be balanced to rebid the NT and therefore should have at least a doubleton ♠. How do we know this?

If they have only a singleton ♠ then they would either have six ♥ (in which case they would rebid 2♥) or they have a four card minor (in which case they would rebid 2 of that minor). So since they only have five ♥ and at most a three card minor they must therefore have at least two ♠.

So back to the fit. You have a fit. Now you have to figure out what level you want to play at.

Bidding 2♠ shows a WEAK hand with six ♠. Partner should "Pass". You have 18 HCP and Partner opened the bidding! You MUST bid AT LEAST game.

Bidding 3♠ shows an INVITATIONAL hand with six ♠. Partner could "Pass" if they are minimum. You have 18 HCP and Partner opened the bidding! You MUST bid AT LEAST game.

Bidding 4♠ gives up on the slam but at least you bid a game. But Partner will never bid again over 4♠.

Bidding 6♠ is a little risky but you definitely are close and that's the easiest way of bidding the slam.

What should you do? That depends on your agreements. But (unless you bid game or slam) you need to make a FORCING bid.

Playing normal Standard American with nothing fancy the best call on this hand is 3♣. If you do that your Partner will bid 3♠ to let you know they have three of them. (They can't have four. They originally bid 1NT and with four of them they would have originally bid 2♠.) Knowing Partner has three trump might entice you to bid the slam.

Partner had a minimum hand. 12 HCP, no Aces, very balanced. Even with that hand you still took 12 tricks. But it was on a finesse.

Responding

Here is your hand:

♠AKT6
♥J942
♦843
♣98

Playing matchpoints and everyone is vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1♣. The opponents are silent during the bidding.

What is your call?

Show Answer

1♥. Four card suits UP THE LINE.

Yes your ♠ suit is nicer. But if Partner does not like your ♥ then they can always bid 1♠ if they have four of them. You will not miss your four-four ♠ fit.

Responding to 1 Diamond

Here is a hand most players found challenging.

Here is your hand:

♠J
♥974
♦Q93
♣AJ8763

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. The opponents are silent during the bidding.

What is your call?

Tip: Think about what you are telling Partner. EVERY call means something.

Show Answer

1NT. This says "Partner I have between 6 and 10 HCP. I do NOT have a four card major and I do NOT want to support your ♦ suit." Perfect! This says NOTHING about being BALANCED. You would not OPEN NT on this hand but you are allowed to RESPOND 1NT on this hand.

Other choices?

Pass. This says "Partner I do not have 6 HCP." But you DO. (Liar.)

2♣. This says "Partner I have at least 10 or more HCP with (probably) a ♣ suit. But I might be lying about that suit." You do have the suit. You were allowed to lie about that. You do NOT have the values. You shouldn't lie about that.

Lead Problem

Here is your suit:
♥AT52


The contract is 3NT. You were on opening lead and led another suit. You are in AGAIN. So far your side has taken just one trick. The ♥ suit has NOT been played yet so you decide to switch to a ♥. What card do you lead?

	Dummy ♥Q86
You! ♥AT52		Partner ♥?
	Declarer ♥?

Show Answer

You SHOULD play low from an honour. The 2♥.

Is it really that big a deal if you don't?

If you lead the A♥ (which most players did) and continue the suit you get three tricks.

Not bad.

If you play the 2♥ and Partner continues the suit you take FOUR tricks. Even better!

The ♥ holding was this:

	Dummy ♥Q86
You! ♥AT52		Partner ♥KJ3
	Declarer ♥974

See what happens when you lead the 2♥?

Declarer either plays LOW from Dummy OR tries to win the Q♥.

Your Partner will either win the J♥ (if Declarer played low from Dummy) or win their K♥ (if Declarer tried the Q♥). Once Partner wins the trick they will be on lead. They will continue with the ♥ (they probably will think YOU have the A♥ since Declarer didn't win the trick) by playing their HIGHEST ♥. (When leading from two cards always lead the highest card.) So now Partner will win their remaining honour. Then they will continue with a ♥ which you will win with the A♥ and you will be in YOUR hand to play the last ♥. This will be the winning trick because all the ♥ are gone.

If you start with the A♥ you can continue with the ♥ suit. Partner will win their K♥ and J♥. In the end YOUR last ♥ will be a winner BUT Partner will win the third ♥ and does not have a ♥ to return to you.

If you don't see this then take a pack of cards out and deal out the ♥ suit. Play it out to see what happens.

Bidding over 1NT

Here is your hand:

♠9843
♥J9
♦AJ83
♣KQ9

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1NT. The opponents are silent during the bidding.

If you and your Partner are playing Stayman then the question is:
What is your call? Do you bid Stayman in order to ask about such a lousy four card suit?

Show Answer

If you bid 2♣, Partner will respond 2♠ and you can then bid 4♠. You will have found your nine card fit.

If you simply bid 3NT then Partner can go down if the Opponents find a ♥ lead.

Partner's hand?

♠AQT62
♥A52
♦KQ9
♣J3



Some might argue that Partner should not open 1NT with a five card major but it is hard for Partner to show 16 HCP once they open 1♠. If they open 1♠ and Partner bids 1NT should they "Pass"? Partner could have 9 or 10 HCP and they will have missed a game. Should they rebid 2NT? That shows 18 or 19 HCP. They are not strong enough. It is easier to show the point count by opening up the bidding 1NT. You will never find a five-three major suit fit that way but you should find a five-four fit because Partner should bid Stayman.

Love that Spade Suit!

Here is your hand:

♠AKQT87
♥542
♦94
♣86

Playing matchpoints and no one is vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. The opponents are silent during the bidding.

What is your call?

Show Answer

1♠. This says "Partner I have at least 6 HCP and at least four ♠." True.

Some players play STRONG jump shifts. Some players play WEAK jump shifts. Would that make a difference?

No. You are too weak for a strong jump shift and too strong for a weak jump shift. (Weak jump shifts are ALERTABLE by the way. Make sure you alert them!) So this hand would NEVER start with 2♠.

Responding to an Opening Bid

Here is your hand:

♠T9
♥T764
♦4
♣KQJT64

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. The opponents are silent during the bidding. What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 1♥?

This shows a hand that has at least 6 HCP and at least four ♥. This describes your hand.

Other choices?

A few wanted to "Pass". This tells Partner you have fewer than 6 HCP. Which is not true. Partner will play in 1♦ and go down.

A few wanted to bid 2♣. I don't blame them. This is a LOVELY ♣ suit. (WAY better than that lousy ♥ suit for sure!) But bidding 2♣ in this auction tells Partner you have 10 or more HCP. Partner will get a little too excited when you later on discover your ♥ fit and bid too high.

Another Rebid Question

Here is your hand:

♠AK4
♥KT762
♦A2
♣AT6

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable. You are Dealer and open the bidding 1♥. The opponents are silent during the bidding. Your Partner says 1♠.

What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 2NT?

This shows a balanced hand with 18 or 19 HCP. In other words a hand that was too strong to open 1NT (so more than 17 HCP) and not strong enough to open 2NT (so less than 20 HCP).

This also denies having a fit with Partner's major. Perfect!

If you raised Partner at any level remember that Partner might only have FOUR ♠ in their hand. They are responder.

If you bid 3♥ you show a GOOD six card suit. You only have a five card suit -- plus it is a pretty bad suit.

Another bid over 1NT

Here is your hand:

♠KQ765
♥9732
♦J65
♣7

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1NT. Your RHO says "Pass".

What is your call?

(You are playing both Stayman and Jacoby Transfers.)

Show Answer

2♥. Transfer to ♠.

Do not bid 2♣ (Stayman). That shows at least 8 HCP!

Another Rebid Question

Here is your hand:

♠AK3
♥K76
♦A54
♣8632

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable. You are Dealer and open the bidding 1♣. The opponents are silent during the bidding. Your Partner says 1♥.

What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 1NT?

This shows a balanced hand that was too weak to open 1NT (so less than 15 HCP) and denies having a fit with Partner's major plus also denies having four ♠. Perfect!

If you raised Partner to 2♥ remember that Partner might only have FOUR ♥ in their hand. They are responder.

Bids Over 1NT

Here is your hand:

♠73
♥Q7653
♦K2
♣AJT9

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable.

Partner opens the bidding 1NT. The opponents are silent during the bidding.

If you and your Partner are NOT playing Jacoby Transfers then the question is:
What is your call?

If you and your Partner have agreed to play Jacoby Transfers then the question is:
What will you bid after you bid 2♦ and Partner bids 2♥?

If your question is "what are Jacoby Transfers?" then you do NOT play them.



Show Answer

If you are NOT playing Jacoby Transfers then your bid is 3♥. That is a FORCING bid showing five ♥ and at least 10 HCP.

If you bid 2♥ Partner will "PASS" like they are supposed to. You will have missed a game.

If you ARE playing Jacoby Transfers then your bid is 3NT. This shows the values for a game (10 to 15 HCP). You have ALREADY told Partner you have five ♥ when you made your transfer bid. Do NOT bid those ♥ again. This would promise SIX.

Partner in both cases will then bid 4♥. You will have reached the proper game.

If you bid 3♥ you made a bid Partner is allowed to Pass PLUS you showed SIX ♥.

If you bid 2NT you made a bid Partner is allowed to Pass. You might have missed a game.

Responding

Here is your hand:

♠T86
♥53
♦KT832
♣QJ2

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1♥. The RHO says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

1NT. This shows 6 to 10 HCP without three ♥ and without four ♠.

Do not bid 2♦. That shows at least 10 HCP. Partner might get excited!

Responding

Here is your hand:

♠QT742
♥T63
♦T7
♣Q82

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1♥. The RHO says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

If you "Pass" Partner gets to play in 1♥ and they take 8 tricks.

If you bid 2♥ Partner thinks you actually have the 6 points you are supposed to have to respond. They bid 4♥. They go down 2.

Another Lead Problem

Here is your hand:
♠3
♥J8632
♦KJ3
♣9753

The contract is 3♠. Partner opened the bidding 1♦ so you decide to lead a ♦. What card do you lead?

Show Answer

You SHOULD play low from an honour. The 3♦.

Is it really that big a deal if you don't?

If you lead the K♦ (which most players did) this sets up Declarer's Q♦.

The ♦ holding was this:

	Dummy ♦762
You! ♦KJ3		Partner ♦AT54
	Declarer ♦Q98

If you started with the K♦ and then lead a low ♦ to Partner's A♦ then Declarer's Q♦ will be a winner.

If you started with the 3♦ Partner will win their A♦ and then your KJ♦ is sitting over Declarer's Q9♦.

Lead Problem

Here is your hand:
♠KQ74
♥AT5
♦K842
♣43

The contract is 4♥.

RHO opened the bidding 2♥ and LHO bid 4♥. Partner did not bid anything.

What card do you lead?

Show Answer

Probably the best lead is the K♠. TOP of two touching honours. This lead will work out. The lead at the table was the 4♠. Fourth highest from their longest and strongest. This fourth best lead works when you only have one honour or non-touching honours. In NT you need a three card honour sequence to lead from. But a SUIT contract is different. You lead top of TWO touching honours.

Is it really that big a deal if you don't?

If you lead the 4♠ (which most players did) watch what happened.

The ♠ holding was this:

	Dummy ♠A98
You! ♠KQ74		Partner ♠T65
	Declarer ♠J32

If you started with the K♠ you will eventually get your Q♠.

If you started with the 4♠ Declarer played LOW and managed to win the trick with their J♠! They still had the A♠! They threw away their last ♠ on another suit and you scored NO ♠ tricks.

Now What?

Here is your hand:

♠T842
♥T54
♦72
♣AK64

Playing matchpoints and everyone is vulnerable. You are Dealer and say "Pass". Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) opens the bidding 1♦. Partner overcalls 1♠. RHO says "Pass". You decide to bid 2♠. Partner now bids 3♠.

What is your call?

Show Answer

You originally told Partner you had 6 to 10 points. Partner knows you don't have much. But Partner is still interested in a game. They are asking if you have a minimum for your bid (6 or 7 points) or a maximum for your bid (8 to 10 points).

You have 7 HCP and 1 Dummy point for your doubleton ♦. You also have an extra trump. GO FOR IT! Bid 4♠!

Overcall or Not?

Here is your hand:

♠T96
♥AQ2
♦A3
♣K9872

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable but the opponents are. Your Partner is Dealer and says "Pass". Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) opens the bidding 1♦.

What is your call?

Show Answer

If you choose to "Pass" the auction will get ugly for the opponents. Believe it or not they will probably end up playing in 2♣. Yes, YOUR five card suit!

If you overcalled 2♣ in this auction YOU are the one that will get in trouble. This is a terrible suit and best not to make a 2 level overcall on.

Another Rebid Dilema

Here is your hand:

♠83
♥AQJT
♦KQ94
♣AK9

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable. You are Dealer and open the bidding 1♦. The Opponents "Pass" throughout the auction. Partner responds 1♠.

What is your call?

Show Answer

2NT.

This should show a balanced hand with 18 or 19 HCP. Which you have.

Do NOT bid 2♥ on this hand. Remember Partner could have bid 1♥ but they didn't. They responded 1♠.

Responding with a Weak Hand

Here is your hand:

♠T52
♥K52
♦63
♣JT865

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable. Partner opens the bidding 2♣. This shows a STRONG hand! The Opponents "Pass" throughout the auction. You bid 2♦. You play this as a "waiting" bid. This basically asks Partner to tell you just exactly WHY they have such a strong hand. Partner now bids 2NT. This shows 22 to 24 HCP (High Card Points) and a balanced hand.

What is your call?

Show Answer

3NT.

Yes you have a terrible hand. But Partner has at least 22 to 24 HCP! You have 4. Together the two hands should have enough for a game.

Your Partner's hand is from the last post:
♠A3
♥A86
♦AK54
♣AKQ2

Your hand again:
♠T52
♥K52
♦63
♣JT865

You can see that together the hands have at least 10 tricks.

Strong Hand

Here is your hand:

♠A3
♥A86
♦AK54
♣AKQ2

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable. You are Dealer and open the bidding 2♣. This shows a STRONG hand! The Opponents "Pass" throughout the auction. Your Partner responds 2♦. You play this as a "waiting" bid. Partner is basically not showing anything and asking you to describe your hand.

What is your call?

Show Answer

You have 24 HCP and a balanced hand. How do you show this?

How about 2NT? This should show 22 to 24 HCP and a balanced hand.

What to Open?

Here is your hand:

♠Q94
♥AK62
♦KQ7
♣AK8

Playing matchpoints and you are vulnerable. What do you open?

Show Answer

How about 2NT?

You have a balanced hand with 21 HCP. Show them. 2NT shows a balanced hand with 20 or 21 HCP.

What to Open?

Here is your hand:

♠AJT
♥
♦AT642
♣AJT74

Playing matchpoints and on one is vulnerable. What do you open?

Show Answer

How about 1♦?

With two FIVE card suits always bid the HIGHER RANKING suit first.

Bidding Over 2NT

Here is your hand:

♠96432
♥KT2
♦764
♣K7

Playing matchpoints and on one is vulnerable. Partner opens the bidding 2NT showing 20 or 21 HCP. The Opponents remain silent. You and your Partner have agreed to play Stayman and Jacoby Transfers so you bid 3♥. Partner dutifully bids 3♠. What is your call.

Show Answer

How about 3NT?

You do have enough for a game. Partner has at least 20 HCP and you have two Kings. But you DON'T KNOW if you have a ♠ fit. By transferring you have shown five ♠. Partner can always bid 4♠ if they have a fit.

Partner "Passes". They only have two ♠ and you got to the right contract.

To Overcall or not to Overcall

Here is your hand:

♠J
♥K942
♦Q42
♣KQJ95

Playing matchpoints and everyone is vulnerable. LHO (Left Hand Opponent) opens the bidding 1♠. Partner says "Pass". RHO (Right Hand Opponent) bids 2♦. What is your call?

Show Answer

How about "Pass"?

Your LHO opened the bidding. They have an opening hand. RHO bid a new suit at the 2 level so they have at least 10 HCP. Your Partner has NOTHING.

If you bid, I would probably choose a "Double" before a 3♣ Overcall. But either bid puts you in 3♣ down two tricks for minus 200. Luckily they didn't "Double" you. If you had simple said "Pass" the Opponents were going to get too high and go down in their contract.

Bids Over 1NT

Here is your hand:

♠AQ54
♥K4
♦Q8
♣J9764

Playing matchpoints and you are not vulnerable. Partner opens the bidding 1NT. The opponents do not bid. What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 2♣? Stayman. This asks Partner if they have a four card major.

Responder Shows a Fit for Opener's Spade Response

So Partner opened the bidding 1 of a minor and you bid 1♥. Now Partner decides to bid 1♠. You have a fit. How do you show it?

First of all, what do you know about partner's hand?

You know that partner has at least 13 HCP and at least 4 cards in the ♠ suit. You also know that Partner does NOT have four ♥. They would have supported your ♥ suit first. But Partner could still have a VERY BIG hand. They could have as much as 18 or even a bad 19 HCP.

See the following post for information on what Partner would need to jump in the bidding and force you to bid:
Jump Shifts

If you also have four ♠ tell Partner you have a fit.

Supporting Partner automatically limits your hand.

Since Partner could still have a big hand you want to keep the auction alive if you can. But 1♠ is NOT a forcing bid. A new suit by OPENER is not forcing. (A new suit by Responder is.) So you CAN "Pass" 1♠ but try to only if you have a bad hand.

If you have an opening hand yourself you must bid game. Partner opened. You should have a game.

Raise Partner 1 level only if you are weak and jump a level if you have a invitational hand (about 11 or 12 points).

Here are the responses and what they show. Remember YOU will be Dummy so YOU get to also count Dummy points.

Responder	Opener
	1♦
1♥	1♠
Pass	This says Partner I have a terrible hand and I want out of this auction. I should have ♠ tolerance though. A bad 6 or 7 points is all I have.

Responder	Opener
	1♦
1♥	1♠
2♠	This says partner I have a weak hand -- about 10 points at the most.

Responder	Opener
	1♦
1♥	1♠
3♠	This says partner I have an invitational hand -- about 11 or 12 points.

Responder	Opener
	1♦
1♥	1♠
4♠	This says partner I have an opening hand myself -- at least 13 points.

Responder	Opener
	1♦
1♥	1♠
6♠	This says partner I have a HUGE hand -- at least 20 or more points!

Check out the following post to remind you about Dummy points:
Distribution Points

Let's practice using some real hands. On the following hands Partner has opened 1♦. You responded 1♥. Partner bid 1♠. It is your turn to bid. What will you say?

Some words of warning. Partner opened the bidding 1♦. Be wary counting shortness in the ♦ suit. Partner might be counting values in that suit.

Also be wary about counting shortness with honours. Check out this post for more information:
Distribution - Counting Shortness with Honors

You are now on your own! Remember, Partner opened 1♦. You responded 1♥. Partner now responds 1♠. It is your turn to bid. How many points do you have? What will you bid and what are you telling Partner with that bid?

Hand 1

♠KT92
♥KQ63
♦86
♣972



Hand 2

♠AKQ9
♥QJT97
♦87
♣T9



Hand 3

♠AKJ2
♥9763
♦Q93
♣J5



Hand 4

♠KJ43
♥T983
♦Q63
♣Q3



Hand 5

♠K987
♥AQT8
♦Q985
♣7



Hand 6

♠JT62
♥QJT9
♦Q72
♣87



Hand 7

♠K875
♥AK98
♦QT7
♣98



Hand 8

♠KT76
♥T642
♦AK
♣863



Hand 9

♠Q987
♥AKJT4
♦Q3
♣T9



Hand 10

♠QJ83
♥AQ32
♦62
♣AT5



Hand 11

♠A976
♥JT75
♦KQT82
♣



Hand 12

♠AK84
♥AT93
♦QT3
♣J3



Hand 13

♠A873
♥K985
♦J872
♣5



Hand 14

♠A987
♥KJ74
♦T86
♣K3



Hand 15

♠J765
♥KQJ62
♦Q5
♣T7



Hand 16

♠J862
♥Q986
♦T6
♣AK6



Hand 17

♠J973
♥AT83
♦KQ63
♣Q



Hand 18

♠JT85
♥A987
♦T
♣Q764



Hand 19

♠K985
♥AQ63
♦QJ7
♣86



Hand 20

♠KQ93
♥Q853
♦Q4
♣643



Hand 21

♠KQT2
♥8642
♦542
♣KQ



Hand 22

♠JT42
♥Q742
♦J4
♣Q93



Hand 23

♠QJ72
♥QJT54
♦74
♣Q4



Hand 24

♠QJ73
♥KQT95
♦42
♣A2



Hand 25

♠AK87
♥AJT87
♦T5
♣53



Hand 26

♠AT85
♥KQ87
♦Q98
♣83



Hand 27

♠AQT9
♥KQ75
♦85
♣K95



Hand 28

♠AK42
♥AT75
♦AK5
♣K5



Hand 29

♠K632
♥AJ84
♦Q94
♣Q2



Hand 30

♠KT85
♥A832
♦962
♣T5



Hand 31

♠KQJ8
♥T942
♦AT96
♣5



Hand 32

♠JT74
♥AQ972
♦K84
♣5



Hand 33

♠9652
♥AJ76
♦876
♣K9



Hand 34

♠AQ73
♥T984
♦QJ5
♣QJ



Hand 35

♠AJ52
♥9543
♦K5
♣543



Hand 36

♠KQ87
♥AQ97
♦K9
♣AK6



Hand 37

♠9653
♥7432
♦K9
♣A95



Hand 38

♠5432
♥K753
♦AJT7
♣T



Hand 39

♠KT87
♥A652
♦Q742
♣5



Hand 40

♠Q976
♥AK72
♦Q65
♣Q3



Hand 41

♠T987
♥A942
♦KQ8
♣J3



Hand 42

♠KT83
♥J542
♦84
♣KJT



Hand 43

♠AK52
♥K983
♦73
♣KJ5



Hand 44

♠JT84
♥K653
♦K93
♣J4



Hand 45

♠A972
♥QT42
♦Q872
♣8



Hand 46

♠7542
♥KQJ62
♦43
♣A6



Hand 47

♠K986
♥JT762
♦K9
♣T3



Hand 48

♠T972
♥K974
♦Q2
♣J83



Hand 49

♠K543
♥KQ93
♦KQT4
♣9



Hand 50

♠T952
♥K9862
♦83
♣AJ

After the Overcall

Here is your hand:

♠AQ4
♥K5
♦KT763
♣Q53

Playing matchpoints and no one if vulnerable. You open the bidding 1♦. Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) bids 1♠. Partner bids 2♣. Your RHO bids 2♠. It is your bid.

Question 1: What is Partner showing?

Question 2: Are you forced to bid?

Question 3: If yes, what is your bid? If no, will you bid and what will you bid if you are going to bid?

Show Answer

Answer 1: Partner is showing at least 10 HCP and a ♣ suit. This is a forcing bid.

Answer 2: Initially you ARE forced to bid. BUT your RHO bid. You are no longer forced to bid because Partner has another call over the 2♠ bid.

Answer 3: Even though you do not have to bid, bidding 2NT to show a minimum hand with a ♠ stopper will REALLY help Partner out. Now they can easily bid 3NT. If you "Pass" they might not know what to bid.

Responder must bid AGAIN!

Remember that hand from yesterday?

Here is your hand:

♠T854
♥A98
♦43
♣AJ93

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable and the opponent are not. Your Partner opens the bidding 1♦. The Opponents Pass throughout the bidding. We responded 1♠ yesterday. Now Partner bids 3♠. What is your call?

Show Answer

4♠

Partner is showing about 17 or 18 points in support of our suit. We have a nice 9. Yes, it is still a lousy four card major but we do have a fit and now we know we have the values for a game. Bid the game!

Partner's hand is from a previous post. They held:
♠AK62
♥T4
♦AKQT6
♣72

Good thing you bid 1♠. If you had responded 1NT Partner would have had a tough call and might have "Passed". You can take 11 tricks if ♠ are trump and only 10 tricks in NT.

Responding to Partner

Here is your hand:

♠T854
♥A98
♦43
♣AJ93

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable and the opponent are not. Your Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

1♠

You have a four card major. Bid it. Yes, it is a lousy four card major but it is still a four card major. Bid it!

Another Opener Rebid

Here is your hand:

♠AK62
♥T4
♦AKQT6
♣72

Playing matchpoints you are vulnerable and the opponent are not. You are Dealer and open the bidding 1♦. The Opponents "Pass" throughout the auction. Your Partner responds 1♠.

What is your call?

Show Answer

You have a fit for Parnter's major, 16 HCP and 2 Dummy points -- one for each doubleton. How do you show this?

3♠ -- this shows about 17 or 18 points in support of your Partner's major.

Responder must make a tough call

Here is your hand:

♠AQT863
♥AQ
♦T
♣Q987

Playing matchpoints you are not vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1♣. The Opponents "Pass" throughout the auction. You respond 1♠. Now your Partner bids 2♣.

What is your call?

Show Answer

You have 14 HCP and a six card ♠ suit. How do you show this?

Let's go over the bids you should not make and why.

2♠
2♠ shows a WEAK hand with six ♠. You are too strong.

3♠
3♠ shows an invitational hand with six ♠. You are too strong. Besides, Partner might not have any ♠ AT ALL. You KNOW you have a nice ♣. Maybe you are better off in ♣?

4♠
4♠ has the same problem that 3♠ does. Partner might not have any ♠ AT ALL. You KNOW you have a nice ♣. Maybe you are better off in ♣? But at least this bid gets you to game.

How about 3♣?
3♣ is a NON-FORCING bid. Partner can "Pass" that bid.

4♣
Is this a forcing bid? Do you know? Are you sure? Does Partner know? Probably not. Even if you both know it is forcing does Partner know to show three card support for your ♠? You still could have a nice fit there.

2NT
You have too many values for this bid plus you are too distributional and you do not have a ♦ card.

3NT
You are too distributional and you do not have a ♦ card. Plus you could still have a ♠ fit. But at least you bid game.

Hmmmm. Any ideas?

We need to make a FORCING bid. What are bids that FORCE Partner to bid?

How about 2♥?
2♥ is a forcing bid (new suit by responder) but the problem is that Partner might think you have four ♥. They might not quite get the joke and keep bidding ♥.

2♦
This is a FORCING bid (new suit by responder) and is unlikely to get Partner too excited. After this bid they are likely to support your ♠ if they have three card support.

I think we have a WINNER! 2♦!

This is not really a lie. It is just a forcing bid.

After 2♦ Partner will bid 3♣. Now you can decide whether or not to bid 5♣ or 6♣.

The slam does make in case you are wondering.

Responder must bid

Here is your hand:

♠J
♥JT976
♦Q7
♣AKT65

Playing matchpoints and no one is vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1♥. Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) says "Pass'.

What is your call?

Show Answer

You have 10 HCP and 3 points for your singleton. You have an opening hand with support for Partner's opening major. That means you have a forcing raise in ♥.

If you have a forcing raise in ♥ I hope you made that!

If you do NOT have a forcing raise in ♥ you need to bid 2♣. That says NOTHING about having ♥ support (you'll show that later) but does show your Partner you have VALUES. Partner is forced to bid again. Then you can bid game in ♥.

If you jumped to 4♥ you have shown a very weak hand. You have the number of trumps you need and the shortness you need but you have TOO MANY VALUES. Partner will think you are weak. You are strong.

On this hand if you jumped to 4♥ you will have missed your slam.

Opener Rebid

Here is your hand:

♠AQ932
♥J6
♦A87
♣K82

Playing matchpoints and no one is vulnerable. You are Dealer and open the bidding 1♠. Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) bids 2♣. Partner bids 2♥.

Two questions:

1) What is Partner showing for their 2♥ bid?

2) What is your call and can Partner "Pass" this bid?

Show Answer

Your Partner has at least FIVE ♥ and at least 10 HCP.

See the following post for more information:
Responder Promises a FIVE Card Suit

Bid 2NT. This should show a minimum hand (Good 12 to 14 HCP) along with a ♣ stopper. Partner can "Pass" this bid if they are minimum.

Rebid

Here is your hand:

♠KQ43
♥AK83
♦T8
♣QT7

Playing matchpoints and no one is vulnerable. Your Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♦. The Opponents "Pass" throughout. You decide to respond 1♥. (Four card suits up the line -- perfect!) Your Partner rebids 2♦.

What is your call?

Show Answer

I hope everyone bid 3NT on this board.

Your Partner opened the bidding and you have an opening hand. You belong in a game. NT is probably the best place to play.

Partner does NOT have four ♠ or they would have rebid 1♠. You do not have a fit there. Partner would have supported your ♥ if they had four. You do not have a fit there.

If you bid 2NT only you made a bid that Partner can "Pass". You need to bid the game to let Partner know you have an opening hand yourself!

Bidding over a Pre-empt

Here is your hand:

♠AKQ72
♥A942
♦AJ95
♣-

Playing matchpoints and everyone is vulnerable. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) is Dealer and Passes. You decide to open the bidding 1♠. Your LHO bids 3♣. Your Partner bids 3♥. Your RHO Passes again.

First think about what Partner is showing.

What is your call?

Show Answer

I hope everyone drove to a slam on this board. Partner should have a strong hand with long ♥. You have a VERY nice fit with Partner and you have 18 HCP PLUS you have a useful void worth at least 5 points.

It would be nice to know how to bid this properly but that involves cue-bidding and that is pretty complicated. For now a leap to 6♥ gets the partnership to slam easily enough.

Partner opens 1NT

Here is your hand:

♠9642
♥AQJ9
♦3
♣KQ32

The Opponents are silent during your auction. Partner opens the bidding 1NT. What is your call?

Show Answer

You have a perfect 2♣ bid. This is Stayman asking if Partner has a four card major.

For more information on Stayman please check out these posts:
Lesson: Introducing Stayman
Lesson: Responding to Stayman

Responder Promises a FIVE Card Suit

Normally when Responder bids a new suit they only promise a FOUR card suit. Example:
This is the auction:

Opener	Responder
1♥	1♠

Responder is showing at least four ♠ and at least 6 HCP (High Card Points).

(Remember their PARTNER opened the bidding. OPENER needs FIVE ♥ and 13 HCP to open the bidding but Responder only needs 6 HCP and a FOUR card suit to respond.)

How about another auction?

Opener	Responder
1♣	1♥

Responder is showing at least four ♥ and at least 6 HCP (High Card Points). Responder could have more than four ♥ but they do not promise more than four ♥.

What happens if Responder responds at the 2 level? Does that change things?

No.

Take this auction:

Opener	Responder
1♥	2♣

Since Responder bid a new suit at the 2 level they show at least 10 HCP BUT they are still only showing four ♣. They could have more. (They might even have less if they are stuck!)

HOWEVER there is ONE auction where Opener opens a suit at the 1 level and Responder bids a new suit without jumping and they promise FIVE in the suit.

Do you know the auction?

Opener	Responder
1♠	2♥

This is the ONE auction where Responder promises a FIVE card suit. When Opener opens 1♠ (they MUST open 1♠) and Responder bids 2♥ (again they MUST respond 2♥) this shows that Responder not only has the 10 HCP required to bid at the 2 level but also has a FIVE card ♥ suit.

WHY? Why would the inventors of this bidding system do that to us? Why make us memorize one more thing?

The reason is simple.

It is INCREDIBLY easy to find a FOUR FOUR ♥ fit once Opener opens the bidding 1♠. However if you allow that Responder could have only a four card ♥ when the bid 2♥ then it would be impossible to find a FIVE THREE ♥ fit when Opener opens 1♠.

Don't believe me? I don't blame you. Let's see this in action.

Here is your hand:
♠Q3
♥AK93
♦KJ72
♣874

Partner opens the bidding 1♠. Here you might want to bid 2♥. This violates the four card suits up the line rule but you do it at the 1 level so why not the 2 level right? So you bid 2♥.

Opener has:
♠AK762
♥J852
♦Q3
♣A2
Opener raises your ♥ suit to 3♥ since they have a fit with minimum values.

You bid 4♥ triumphantly! "See, we NEEDED to bid 2♥ in order to find our fit!" you cry.

Hmmmmm. Really?

Let's take your hand. Partner opens 1♠ and you have this hand:
♠Q3
♥AK93
♦KJ72
♣874

Let's say that instead of responding 2♥ you respond 2♦. (Four card suits up the line.) Do you lose that ♥ fit?

NO!

Over 2♦ guess what Opener is going to bid?

Opener has:
♠AK762
♥J852
♦Q3
♣A2

2♥. Now you have found your ♥ fit. You can bid 4♥ and you will have made it to your game in ♥.

Well, what does it really matter?

Here's where it matters.

When Responder has this hand:
♠Q3
♥AK963
♦KJ7
♣874

and Opener has:
♠AK762
♥J85
♦Q63
♣A2

and Opener opens the bidding 1♠.

If Responder promises FIVE ♥ when they respond 2♥ then the partnership will have found their five three ♥ fit and be safe and happy in 4♥. Responder will bid 2♥. Opener will know they have a FIVE card suit and can raise with three. Opener will bid 3♥ and Responder will bid 4♥ to get the partnership to game.

But what happens if Responder only promises a FOUR card suit. Now over 2♥ Opener cannot show a fit. They will probably bid 2NT to show a minimum, balanced hand.

What does Responder do now?

If Responder bids the ♥ again they show a SIX card suit. (On most auctions when Responder rebids their suit they show six cards in that suit.) But Responder does not have a six card suit.

Responder would probably just bid 3NT and hope for the best.

With an eight card fit, playing in four of a major tends to be better for playing in 3NT. Especially when you are a newer player.

Imagine what will happen if the Opponents lead a ♣? Would you rather bid in 3NT or 4♥?

Do we DARE? We do! But HOW?

Here is your hand:

♠A9
♥AKQT763
♦-
♣A653

The Opponents are silent during your auction. Partner opens the bidding 1♦. You respond 1♥. Partner rebids 2♣. It is your turn to bid. What is your call?

Hint: Think very carefully as to what cards you REALLY need from Partner to make a slam.

(I hope you didn't think "the Ace of ♦!" -- Sure it would be nice to have but do you REALLY need it?"

Since I'm in an extremely good mood today I will give you links. Some you may need. Some you will not. All contain useful information and one actually contains the answer!

Blackwood:
Lesson: Blackwood -- An Introduction
Lesson: Blackwood -- To Bid or Not to Bid
Lesson: Blackwood or Quantitative?
Lesson: Blackwood -- Asking for Kings
Lesson: Blackwood -- A Summary

Gerber:
Lesson: Gerber - An Introduction
Lesson: Gerber - To Bid or Not to Bid?
Lesson: Gerber or 4NT Quantitative?
Lesson: Gerber -- Asking for Kings
Lesson: Gerber -- A Summary

Trump Suit Asks:
Lesson: Grand Slam Force
Lesson: Trump Suit Quality - 5 of the Major
Lesson: Trump Suit Quality Exercises


Show Answer

What cards do you actually care about?

The only two cards you need from Partner's hand are the K♣ and the Q♣.

Don't believe me? Think about this hand:
♠432
♥4
♦65432
♣KQ42

Now OBVIOUSLY Partner would not open the bidding with the above hand. But what if they did? Here are the two hands together. If trump split 3-2 how many tricks will you take with ♣ as trump?

♠A9
♥AKQT763
♦-
♣A653

♠432
♥4
♦65432
♣KQ42

Baring incredibly bad breaks you should be able to take ALL the tricks. Even with that pathetic hand I gave you. That's because the ONLY two cards you need are the K♣ and the Q♣.

How do you ask? Over 2♠ bid 5NT. Grand Slam Force. Partner will then bid 7♠. (Assuming Partner knows what is going on...)

What to Open?

Here is your hand:

♠Q
♥J8
♦AQ865
♣KQT84

It is your turn to bid. What is your call?

Show Answer

1♦.

With two five card suit always bid the HIGHER RANKING suit first.

Real Life Jacoby Transfer

Here is your hand:

♠AT864
♥Q
♦QJ6
♣JT72

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1NT. You and your Partner have agreed to play Stayman and Jacoby Transfers over NT bids. The Opponents are silent throughout the auction. What will you respond?

This one is pretty easy. Respond 2♥.

Now Partner bids 2♠ like the good Partner they are. It is your turn to bid. What is your call?

Show Answer

3NT.

Yes, even with the singleton. Partner is balanced. You don't have to be.

First of all you have to realize that you have a very nice hand and need to get this partnership to at least a game.

Bidding 2NT allows Partner to "Pass" with a minimum with no fit for your ♠.

Bidding 3♠ GUARANTEES a fit for ♠. Partner only has to have TWO ♠. They do not need three ♠ to open the bidding 1NT.

"But they bid 2♠!" you can argue.

"But YOU FORCED them to bid 2♠. They might not have wanted to!" I counter.

So bidding 3♠ is out. That bid is especially bad because Partner is allowed to "Pass" this bid also if they have a minimum.

4♠ has the same "not sure if there is a fit" problem. But at least you bid game.

If you bid 3NT remember PARTNER will take you OUT of 3NT and bid 4♠ IF they have a FIT with you. You will end up in 4♠ if it is right.

P.S. On this hand Partner does indeed have a fit and will bid 4♠ over your 3NT bid.

To Bid or Not to Bid Blackwood

Here is your hand:
♠J
♥AQ932
♦AJ72
♣AJ4

Your Partner opens the bidding 1♠. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". You decide to bid 2♥. This bid is perfect! It shows 10 HCP (High Card Points) and at least five ♥. The Opponents Pass throughout the bidding. Partner responds 4♥. Partner has extras! What do you do?

Well at the supervised I was called over. "Should I ask for Aces?" they inquire.

"Are you going to bid 7♥ if Partner has one Ace?" I ask.

"NO!!!"

"Are you going to stop in 5♥ if Partner does not have any Aces?" I ask.

They think a little on this. "I have a really nice hand. I think we should be in a slam!"

"So, are you going to stop in 5♥ if Partner does not have any Aces?" I persist. (Notice how they did not answer my question at all the first time...)

"No. I'm going to bid 6♥ anyhow. I should, shouldn't I? I have enough for a slam, don't I?" (Here I sense they want a little reassurance. Which I don't give them. Instead I counter with some logic.)

"If you are always going to bid 6♥ and never going to bid 7♥ then why are you asking for Aces?"

AHHHHH! That makes sense!

You ONLY ever ask for Aces if the partnership could be off two Aces and you will stop at the 5 level OR the partnership is interested in bidding a grand slam. If you are always going to be in 6 and never in 7 then why ask for Aces? This does not help AT ALL. It just wastes everyone's time and allows the opponents to stick in a lead directing double.

P.S. Slam bid and made. Nice. This hand matches the one from the past 2 days.

What to Rebid?

Remember that hand from yesterday?

Here is your hand again:

♠AK853
♥KJ864
♦5
♣T5

Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) is Dealer and Passes. We decided that this was a good opening bid and we should open 1♠. The Opponents stay silent during the auction. Partner bids a normal Standard American 2♥.

Two questions:
Question 1: How many points and how many ♥ does Partner have?
Question 2: What is your bid?

Show Answer

Answer 1:
Partner should have at least 10 HCP (High Card Points) and at least FIVE ♥. This is the one auction that Responder needs a five card suit to respond.

Answer 2:
You have a fit with Partner's ♥. You can now count shortness since you are Dummy. Give yourself 3 points for the singleton ♦ and 1 point for the doubleton ♣. Now you are up to 15 points. Partner has at least 10 HCP. Bid game (4 ♥). Don't wimp out and bid 3 only ♥ because you opened light. Partner can "PASS" 3♥!

Even more importantly do NOT PASS 2♥ because you opened light!!! 2♥ is a FORCING bid.