Responder

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

Here is your hand:
♠85
♥K87
♦QJ942
♣863

Partner opens the bidding 1♣. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) bids 1♥. What is your call?

Show Answer

I'm okay with a couple of bids.

The bid I would choose is 1NT. That shows about 6 to 10 HCP with a stopper in the Opponent's suit (♥) and is NON-FORCING. (A stopper is a card that will win a trick and STOP the Opponents from winning the first five tricks in the suit!)

If you are a little intimidated by the colours (vulnerability) I sympathize. You are vulnerable and you have a pretty weak hand. You might go down a trick and lose 100 points. So I'm okay with a "Pass" here also. A little timid but sometimes timid works.

I am NOT okay with bidding 2♦ on this hand. That shows 10 or more HCP (High Card Points) and forces the bidding to a MUCH higher level. Partner must bid again -- remember?

On this hand if you and Partner go past the 1NT level you will go down in your contract. 1NT is the last safe place to be.