Question for Heidi

Hi Heidi,

Opponent interfered in N/S bidding, what do you suggest North bid? With no interference, North would probably bid 3NT. With the interference, how to get to NT without being misinterpreted by partner as Blackwood (if North bids 4NT)?

NS vulnerable, W is dealer:

	North ♠AKJ ♥KJ8 ♦AQ76 ♣A64
West ♠8542 ♥A953 ♦95 ♣T87		East ♠QT63 ♥QT64 ♦K43 ♣92
	South ♠97 ♥72 ♦JT82 ♣KQJ53

W	N	E	S
Pass	2♣	Pass	3♣
4♥	???

Heidi's Answer

Is West INSANE? How can you bid 4♥ on that hand?!?

That's crazy. I would want to Double them on this hand. Just a simple Penalty Double. That'll teach them from coming into MY auction!

How many tricks can N/S take?

They should be able to take the AK♠ plus South will get to trump a ♠.

North will get their K♥ and their A♦.

Plus they will get their AK♣.

That is seven tricks. West will go down four which is 800 for N/S. Much better than bidding and making 3NT -- even vulnerable.

Looks like N/S can make 4NT but that's only 630 points. Better to Double West who will learn a valuable lesson about coming into these auctions against ME.

Note: I do NOT like South's 3♣ bid at all. They are too weak to make this bid. It takes up too much room in the bidding. How can North possibly show 22 to 24 balanced? Better for South to bid 2♦ and North can then show their point count.