Opener's rebid

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K5
♥AKQJ3
♦A862
♣A4

You decide to open the bidding 1♥. The Opponents are silent during the auction. Partner bids 1♠. What is your call?

Show Answer

3♦. Make a JUMP SHIFT. This should show an unbalanced hand with five ♥ and four ♦. GAME FORCING!

Rebidding 2NT shows a BALANCED hand with about 18 or 19 HCP. Partner is allowed to "PASS" that bid! Which you certainly don't want!

Rebidding 2♦ shows an UNBALANCED hand which could be minimum. (Although you could have up to a bad 18 points also -- just short of a jump shift.) Partner is allowed to "PASS" 2♦! Which you certainly don't want!

Did you like your opening bid of 1♥? It's not a bad bid and actually gets you to a better contract. You'll reach 4♥.

If you open the bidding either 2NT or 2♣ followed by 2NT you don't get to tell Partner you have five ♥ and you won't reach your ♥ fit.

If you play in ♥ you take 11 tricks.

If you play in NT you take 10 tricks.

Unbalanced hands tend to play better in a major suit.