I'm BACK and now you have to bid!

It's been awhile since my last post so I am sorry for that. But I'm back and will try to get back to regular postings. (On the plus side it has been a FABULOUS summer for my golf!!!)

So here goes. I hope you are not rusty.

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AJ7
♥AK8
♦KJT64
♣62

RHO (Right Hand Opponent) is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♥. What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 1NT?

You have a balanced hand with 16 HCP (High Card Points). You also have a ♥ stopper (actually two of them!).

The problem with bidding 2♦ is that it does not show this strong a hand. Plus if you want to bid (and make!) a game the place to be is probably 3NT. But it is unlikely Partner will be strong enough (or have a ♥ stopper for NT) to bid 2NT.

If you overcalled 1NT Partner will put you into 3NT and you will make -- 9 tricks are available in NT.

If you overcalled 2♦ Partner will raise you to 3♦ but since Partner might only have six HCP to raise you probably will "Pass" and take 10 tricks.