Responding

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K862
♥9432
♦AJ93
♣7

Your Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

1♥

Four card suits UP THE LINE.

Yes, your ♥ are pretty bad.

Yes, your ♠ are better.

However if you respond 1♠ Partner is NOT allowed to tell you they have four ♥ unless they are very strong. So they must rebid 1NT.

Now you cannot show your ♥ and you missed your best fit!

What to Rpond?

Playing matchpoints. You are NOT vulnerable but the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠Q3
♥T6
♦Q852
♣AKQT3

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

Show Answer

Thing is on this hand you have a FORCING raise in ♣. But I bet you don't have a bid to show that. You have to have a bid that says "I like your ♣ and we are going to game."

Nowadays most people play 3♣ as an invitational hand. So about 11-12 points with at least five ♣.

But Partner is allowed to "Pass" if they are minimum.

You don't want that.

So unless you have a forcing raise in ♣ you need to make a forcing bid.

Bid 1♦. Partner will bid again.

Respond

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠32
♥KQJ8742
♦54
♣AJ

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

Show Answer

1♥.

You are too strong for a weak jump shift and too weak for a strong jump shift so you can't bid 2♥!

Besides, Partner will bid again and hopefully describe their hand. Then you can better judge what to do.

What to Respond?

Playing matchpoints. Neither you not the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K764
♥96
♦QJ83
♣T52

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

Show Answer

1♠.

You have to bid -- you have at least six points.

Bidding 1NT shows your weak hand but denies having a four card ♠ suit. Partner could also have four.

What to respond?

Playing matchpoints. You are NOT vulnerable and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠KT84
♥KJ
♦J94
♣Q982

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalls 1♠. What is your call?

Show Answer

The bid I would choose is 1NT.

You do technically have enough points to bid a new suit at the two level but you really should have a five card suit in this auction PLUS your suit just isn't that great.

Plus you are balanced with a stopper in the Opponent's suit. Tell Partner about that without getting too high.

Responding

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable. You and your Partner are playing SAYC (Standard American Yellow Card) so nothing fancy.

Here is your hand:
♠J76
♥K75
♦AQ86
♣874

Partner opens the bidding 1♣. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) overcalls 1♠. What is your call?

Show Answer

It's a tough one. I don't think you have a bid. "Pass" is your best call.

Now of course you do have ten points so you can bid at the two level but what will you bid? You are supposed to have a five card suit now to bid 2♦.

Plus bidding 2♦ forces the partnership to at least 2NT. That's if Partner has a stopper in the Opponent's suit. Which they may not.

If Partner has no stopper you are at the three level at least.

With maybe no fit.

Hmmm.

All this can be avoided if you just "Pass" right now. If Partner is strong they can bid again. Then you can go crazy.

In this case your RHO gets to play in 1♠. No one else can take a bid!

They take eight tricks for 110 points to them.

If you bid 2♦ (because what else could you bid???) your Partner will raise you with only three ♦. (They are allowed to and they have nothing else to say -- they have no ♠ stopper!) You panic and "Pass" but you are at least two levels too high. You go down two (if you play it well) and that gives the Opponents 200 points. Not so good.

I just really hate that balanced hand.

What to Respond?

Playing matchpoints. You are vulnerable and the Opponents are not vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K98
♥QJ4
♦Q8642
♣J2

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) bids 1♠. What is your call?

Show Answer

I think you have either two bids on this hand.

The bid I would choose is 1NT. That shows about 6 to 10 HCP with a stopper in the Opponent's suit (♠) and is NON-FORCING. (A stopper is a card that will win a trick and STOP the Opponents from winning the first five tricks in the suit!)

Another bid would be 2♦. This shows 6 to 10 points and promises ♦ support. You'd like to have five ♦ but will do it with four ♦ only if you are stuck because most of the time Partner will have four and you do want to bid when you can.

The reason why I don't like this bid as much is the fact that this is matchpoints and matchpoints is all about playing in NT if you can.

You are fairly balanced and have the Opponent's suit stopped. YOU are the one that must choose the NT. Partner will not be able to. Show them you have a stopper. Your ♦ tricks will take tricks in NT also.

Plus you have outside values in the ♥ suit also.

On this hand both 3NT and 5♦ will make -- however 3NT will make with an overtrick! That 630 points for playing in 3NT rather than 600 points for playing in 5♦.

Yes, one can argue that Partner should ask for a ♠ stopper to play in 3NT if that is a better place to play but Partner has a singleton ♦ and isn't thinking NT.

Responder

Playing matchpoints. You are vulnerable and the Opponents are not vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠85
♥K87
♦QJ942
♣863

Partner opens the bidding 1♣. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) bids 1♥. What is your call?

Show Answer

I'm okay with a couple of bids.

The bid I would choose is 1NT. That shows about 6 to 10 HCP with a stopper in the Opponent's suit (♥) and is NON-FORCING. (A stopper is a card that will win a trick and STOP the Opponents from winning the first five tricks in the suit!)

If you are a little intimidated by the colours (vulnerability) I sympathize. You are vulnerable and you have a pretty weak hand. You might go down a trick and lose 100 points. So I'm okay with a "Pass" here also. A little timid but sometimes timid works.

I am NOT okay with bidding 2♦ on this hand. That shows 10 or more HCP (High Card Points) and forces the bidding to a MUCH higher level. Partner must bid again -- remember?

On this hand if you and Partner go past the 1NT level you will go down in your contract. 1NT is the last safe place to be.

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.)

Respond!

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠J5
♥KJ6
♦A873
♣A732

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass".

What is your call?

Show Answer

I'm good with a few bids.

3NT is an acceptable bid but I might be worried about that ♠ suit. Just because your RHO said "Pass" doesn't mean that your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) doesn't have ♠ and they will be the one leading to 3NT! However it does show your point count and you do get to a game. Both 1NT and 2NT can be passed.

Probably the best bid is 2♣. This is just a forcing bid that shows at least 10 HCP (High Card Points) and forces your Partner to bid again.

If you bid 2♣ Partner will bid 2NT and you can raise to 3NT.

If you had bid 3NT Partner does have the ♠ stopped so you will have reached the best contract.

If you bid either 1NT or 2NT Partner will "Pass" and you will have missed a game! 10 tricks are available in NT.

What do you respond?

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AQ962
♥AQJ98
♦K
♣92

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

Show Answer

1♠

With two FIVE card suits you bid the HIGHER ranking one first.

With two FOUR card suits bid them up the line. (The one next in line in the bidding ladder.)

Responding

Playing matchpoints. You are not vulnerable and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠8643
♥AJ4
♦K32
♣Q93

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♣. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

1♠.

This tells Partner you have at least 6 points and at least four ♠. This does NOT say you have good ♠. (You don't.)

Bidding 1NT would show 6 to 10 points and a balanced hand (on this auction only) but NO FOUR CARD MAJOR.

You do have a ♠ fit but if you bid 1NT instead of 1♠ you will NEVER find your ♠ fit.

You take 8 tricks in 1NT (which scores 120 points) but you can take 10 tricks if ♠ are trump (which score 170 points since you won't bid the game).

Responding

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠A52
♥K874
♦AT43
♣T8

Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO bid 3♥. (Ouch! That makes it tough!)

What is your call?

Show Answer

This is a tough one but I'd suck it up and bid 3NT.

You HATE to "Pass" and really have nothing else to bid. I'd be a little worried about taking 11 tricks in 5♦.

What to Respond

Playing matchpoints. You are not vulnerable and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠73
♥A953
♦A4
♣K9653

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♣. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

1♥

You DO have a ♣ fit. This is true. But you MIGHT have a ♥ fit. Try to find that.

If you DO find a ♥ fit then you can investigate game.

If you DON'T find a ♥ fit then you can always tell Partner about your ♣ then.

Responding to 1 Club

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠K74
♥KQ6
♦762
♣9432

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

Show Answer

1NT. This should show a hand with no four card major and 6 to 10 HCP (High Card Points). Which is EXACTLY what you have.

Note that responding 1NT does NOT guarantee a balanced hand EXCEPT over 1♣.

Over 1♣ if you are unbalanced you can bid your suit -- either at the 1 level OR by supporting Partner's ♣ if that is your long suit.

What to Respond?

Playing matchpoints. You are not vulnerable and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AQJ642
♥K4
♦K
♣Q754

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

I hope you said 1♠. I don't like bidding 2♠ for many reasons.

Some people play strong jump shifts. That promises 17 or more HCP with a good six card suit. This hand is TOO WEAK for a strong jump shift.

Others play weak jump shifts. That promises a weak hand (less than 6 HCP) with a six card suit. This hand is TOO STRONG for a weak jump shift.

But the MAJORITY of players have NO AGREEMENT as to what a jump shift shows. Can you HONESTLY tell me Partner knows what your bid of 2♠ shows? Most people don't have any kind of agreement over a jump shift by Partner. So there is no use making a bid that Partner will not even understand.

Keep it simple and respond 1♠. Partner will bid again.

Responding to Partner

Playing matchpoints. Both you and the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠QT75
♥K853
♦J2
♣T92

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♦! RHO says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

1♥

Bid your four card suits UP THE LINE. That means bid the four card suit that comes next in the bidding ladder.

Responding

Playing matchpoints. Neither you nor the Opponents are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠J7
♥J6
♦T976
♣AQ763

Your Partner opens the bidding 1♦. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) says "Pass". What is your call?

Show Answer

I like 2♦.

Yes, Partner only promises three ♦ when they open the bidding 1♦ but most of the time they have four ♦. So most of the time you will have a fit. Plus the only other call you could make would be 1NT. (2♣ would show 10 or more HCP which you do not have.) I hate to bid 1NT with no high cards in either major if I have other options.

However 1NT wouldn't be wrong exactly. Just maybe more likely to not work out.

Partner can take nine tricks in ♦.

You cannot even take seven tricks if you play in 1NT.

Responding

Playing matchpoints. You are vulnerable and the Opponents are not.

Here is your hand:
♠AJ62
♥J754
♦AK8
♣T6

Partner is Dealer and opens the bidding 1♣. The Opponents are silent through the auction. What is your call?

Show Answer

1♥

You should bid a four card major before bidding NT.

Bid four card suits up the line. So the one next in line in the bidding. With four four in the majors respond 1♥. This gives Partner an opportunity to either a) support your suit or b) bid 1♠ and voila! you have found your fit at the 1 level.

Responding

Playing matchpoints. Both sides are vulnerable.

Here is your hand:
♠AK762
♥T8743
♦85
♣J

Partner is Dealer and open the bidding 1♣. The Opponents are silent through the auction. What is your call?

Show Answer

1♠

With two five card suits bid the higher ranking suit first. In this case it is also the better suit but that is not important.

Four card suits are bid up the line. With two five or six card suits bid the higher ranking suit first always.