What to Respond?

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

Here is your hand:
♠
♥T9532
♦KT5
♣QJ872

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

Show Answer

1NT

What?!? With a VOID in ♠?!?

Yes. Bidding 1NT in this auction does NOT say you have a balanced hand. It says you have 6 to 10 points and fewer than three ♠.

Which describes your hand perfectly.

If you "Pass" because you don't want to respond 1NT (and I really don't blame you -- it is an ugly 1NT response) you tell Partner you have fewer than 6 HCP. Which is NOT true. Plus Partner has a BIG hand and you will not reach your game.

If you bid a new suit at the 2 level that tells Partner you have at least 10 HCP (High Card Points) and Partner will get VERY excited with their hand! You'll probably get way too high! (At least you would if you were MY Partner!)