What to Respond?

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

Here is your hand:
♠AQJ642
♥K4
♦K
♣Q754

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

Show Answer

I hope you said 1♠. I don't like bidding 2♠ for many reasons.

Some people play strong jump shifts. That promises 17 or more HCP with a good six card suit. This hand is TOO WEAK for a strong jump shift.

Others play weak jump shifts. That promises a weak hand (less than 6 HCP) with a six card suit. This hand is TOO STRONG for a weak jump shift.

But the MAJORITY of players have NO AGREEMENT as to what a jump shift shows. Can you HONESTLY tell me Partner knows what your bid of 2♠ shows? Most people don't have any kind of agreement over a jump shift by Partner. So there is no use making a bid that Partner will not even understand.

Keep it simple and respond 1♠. Partner will bid again.