What to Respond?

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠52
♥QJT3
♦KJT4
♣AJ8

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

Show Answer

2♦.

Quite a few players bid 3NT to show a balanced hand with 13 to 15 HCP. Aside from the fact that you only have 12 HCP (I am willing to give you a hand that wants to force to game), you have a FOUR CARD MAJOR. If you bid 3NT (or even a natural 2NT) you will miss your four-four ♥ fit.

If you bid 2♦, Partner will bid 2♥. Now you can support their ♥ suit and end up in the right spot.

If you play in ♥ you take 12 tricks. (Hard to bid to 6♥ though.)

If you play in 3NT you take 10 tricks. Not nearly as good.