Theory question

No hand this time. Just a bidding question. Your RHO (Right Hand Opponent) opens the bidding 1♣. You "Pass" with your hand and your LHO (Left Hand Opponent) bids 1♠.

Now Partner bids 2♠. The same suit your LHO bid! What suit or suits does Partner have?

Show Answer

They have ♠!

This is a natural bid by Partner. They should have at least six really good ♠. (They do know LHO has at least four of they so they probably won't bid with only a five card suit...)

(If Partner had the other two suits that weren't mentioned they probably would have made a Take Out Double.)

Rebid

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. We decided last post to respond 1♥. Now Partner bids 1NT. What is your call?

Show Answer

How about 4♥?

You should have a fit for ♥ -- Partner did rebid 1NT so they should be balanced. Balanced hands do not have singletons or voids. So Partner should have at least two ♥.

As for values, Partner opened. They have an opening hand. You don't QUITE have the high card values but you do have a super duper long suit so that counts for a little something.

Rebidding 2♥ is weak and Partner is supposed to "Pass".

Rebidding 3♥ is invitational and Partner could (and will on this hand) "Pass".

Playing in ♥ you can take 11 tricks.

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.