Responder Rebids

Here is your hand:

♠3
♥KQT5
♦K75
♣KQ652

Playing matchpoints and your side is NOT vulnerable. The Opponents are silent during the auction.

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♠. You respond 2♣. Partner bids 2♠. What is your call now?

Plus (as a bonus) is Partner's 2♠ bid forcing? Do you HAVE to respond to it? (I know you are going to bid again -- but do you HAVE to?)

Show Answer

I hope you did NOT rebid 3♣! That bid is NOT forcing -- Partner is allowed to "Pass"!

Bidding 3♥ is probably your best bid. That leaves Partner room to support your ♥ and is a FORCING BID.

If you bid 3NT you did get to game but you still might have a good ♥ fit and that will never find it.

BONUS: 2♠ IS a forcing bid. You MUST bid again. When you bid a new suit at the 2 level you promise ONE more call unless Partner limits their hand by rebidding either 2NT OR raises your suit 1 level only. So in this auction if Partner had rebid 2NT or 3♣ you would be allowed to "Pass" but any other bid is at least one round forcing.