Responding AGAIN!

Playing matchpoints. You are vulnerable and the Opponents are not.

Here is your hand:
♠AJ62
♥J754
♦AK8
♣T6

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♣. The Opponents are silent through the auction. We decided last post to respond 1♥. Over 1♥ Partner responds 2♣. What is your call?

Show Answer

3NT

There is no point bidding 2♠. You do not have a ♠ fit. Over 1♥ your Partner could have bid 1♠ but chose not to. So you don't have a major suit fit. You are balanced so want to play in NT. Do you have the values for a game? Yes. Partner opened the bidding and you have 13 HCP. You should have enough for a game.

The problem with bidding 2NT is that Partner can "Pass". This doesn't guarantee the values for a game -- only around 11 or 12 points. After all if you had enough for a game you could bid it yourself.