Respond!

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠J5
♥KJ6
♦A873
♣A732

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

I'm good with a few bids.

3NT is an acceptable bid but I might be worried about that ♠ suit. Just because your RHO said "Pass" doesn't mean that your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) doesn't have ♠ and they will be the one leading to 3NT! However it does show your point count and you do get to a game. Both 1NT and 2NT can be passed.

Probably the best bid is 2♣. This is just a forcing bid that shows at least 10 HCP (High Card Points) and forces your Partner to bid again.

If you bid 2♣ Partner will bid 2NT and you can raise to 3NT.

If you had bid 3NT Partner does have the ♠ stopped so you will have reached the best contract.

If you bid either 1NT or 2NT Partner will "Pass" and you will have missed a game! 10 tricks are available in NT.

Opener Rebids

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

Here is your hand:
♠AJ32
♥3
♦AQ965
♣K87

You are Dealer and decide to open the bidding 1♦. Partner responds 1♠. The Opponents are not bidding. What is your call over 1♠?

Show Answer

Bid 3♠. This shows a 17 or 18 points (good 16) with four ♠.

You have 14 HCP (High Card Points) and 3 DUMMY points (you will be Dummy!) so that is a NICE hand! You need to bid more than just 2♠.

What do you respond?

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AQ962
♥AQJ98
♦K
♣92

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. The Opponents are silent during the auction. What is your call?

Show Answer

1♠

With two FIVE card suits you bid the HIGHER ranking one first.

With two FOUR card suits bid them up the line. (The one next in line in the bidding ladder.)