Responder to bid

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K97
♥J72
♦KJ73
♣K95

You are Dealer and start with a "Pass". Your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) says "Pass". Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

First of all you have 11 HCP. You also have four ♦.

There are a couple of options to show this hand.

Option 1 is to support the ♦ by bidding 3♦. This should show ♦ support with 11 or 12 HCP. Which you have. This is not a perfect bid because Partner might only have three ♦. Most of the time they will have four ♦ so you'll probably end up in a pretty good spot.

Option 2 is to bid 2NT. This should show 11 or 12 HCP with a balanced hand, no four card major and a little something in all the rest of the suits. This is not a perfect bid because you don't have much in the ♥ suit. However, Partner could and the Opponents probably don't have much or they would be in the auction bidding.

Which do you think is the best bid and why?

I would probably choose to bid 2NT with this hand.

For one thing you are VERY balanced. You will not be able to ruff anything in this hand so playing in ♦ might not get you any more tricks.

For another thing you want to protect your KINGS. If the opening lead comes into your hand If the Opponents lead anything but a ♥ you will be guaranteed a trick with your King in that suit.

On this one you take 8 tricks in either NT or ♦. Good thing you choose to bid the NT -- 3♦ would be too high! (Partner will "Pass" any bid you make -- they are very minimum.)