Answer to Beginners Exercise

Exercise: Partner opens 1♥. What would be your response holding these?

Hand a)	Hand b)	Hand c)	Hand d)
♠ J 6 4 2 ♥ 3 ♦ 9 3 2 ♣ A K 9 6 4	♠ 9 4 2 ♥ Q 4 2 ♦ A J 9 7 3 ♣ 5 2	♠ K 2 ♥ 4 ♦ J 7 4 2 ♣ Q J 9 8 5 2	♠ 5 2 ♥ 3 2 ♦ K Q 10 8 4 2 ♣ K 10 7

Answers:

• a). Respond 1♠. You lack the strength to bid 2♣, but should prefer 1♠ to the dustbin 1NT.
• b). Respond 2♥. You lack the strength for 2♦, and should prefer the three-card raise to the dustbin 1NT.
• c). Respond 1NT. You lack the strength for 2♣ and note that the dustbin 1NT response does not show a balanced hand, just weakness that has no other bid.
• d). Respond 2♦. You satisfy the Rule of 14 – just. Bidding 2♦ may backfire – partner’s rebid could be say 3♣ – but is probably a long-term winner.

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