Responding

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

Here is your hand:
♠8643
♥AJ4
♦K32
♣Q93

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

Show Answer

1♠.

This tells Partner you have at least 6 points and at least four ♠. This does NOT say you have good ♠. (You don't.)

Bidding 1NT would show 6 to 10 points and a balanced hand (on this auction only) but NO FOUR CARD MAJOR.

You do have a ♠ fit but if you bid 1NT instead of 1♠ you will NEVER find your ♠ fit.

You take 8 tricks in 1NT (which scores 120 points) but you can take 10 tricks if ♠ are trump (which score 170 points since you won't bid the game).