Responding

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠J7
♥J6
♦T976
♣AQ763

Your Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

I like 2♦.

Yes, Partner only promises three ♦ when they open the bidding 1♦ but most of the time they have four ♦. So most of the time you will have a fit. Plus the only other call you could make would be 1NT. (2♣ would show 10 or more HCP which you do not have.) I hate to bid 1NT with no high cards in either major if I have other options.

However 1NT wouldn't be wrong exactly. Just maybe more likely to not work out.

Partner can take nine tricks in ♦.

You cannot even take seven tricks if you play in 1NT.