Responding

Playing matchpoints. Both sides are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠QT962
♥AKJ87
♦2
♣T2

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

Show Answer

1♠.

Yes, your ♥ are better. They are. I'll even give you much better. But they are not LONGER. That is more important.

If you respond 1♥ how are you ever going to convince Partner you have five ♠?

Partner will rebid 1NT. Now you can try bidding 2♠. This is a reverse. But this only shows four ♠ (and also five ♥!) and a hand that wants to go to game.

If Partner now bids 2NT you can try 3♠. That should show five ♠. But unfortunately it also shows SIX ♥. After all with two five (or six) card suits you bid the HIGHER RANKING suit first ALWAYS.

If you respond first with 1♠ Partner will respond 1NT. Now you can rebid 4♥. Partner can now choose what major suit they wish to play in.