Andrew:

Bidding with a fit

The first objective of the bidding is for the partnership to find a FIT – that’s eight combined cards. Major-suit fits are the most valuable as you can win the 4♥/4♠ games with ten tricks [5♣/5♦ require 11]. So if your partner opens 1♥/1♠ and you have four-card support, then never bid a new suit, always support.

Exercise:What should these hands respond to partner’s 1♥ opener?

Hand A		Hand B		Hand C		Hand D
♠ K 7 4 2 ♥ 10 7 4 3 ♦ J 6 ♣ Q J 3		♠ 3 2 ♥ Q 9 7 2 ♦ A K J 7 4 2 ♣ 3		♠ A Q 7 3 ♥ J 6 4 2 ♦ 9 8 5 ♣ A 2		♠ A K Q 2 ♥ 6 4 3 2 ♦ 3 2 ♣ Q 5 3

Answer:

(a) 2♥.This shows a weakish hand. Six points up to eight or nine, with a fit*.

(b) 4♥. Not diamonds. Your singleton club is huge – for ruffing, as is your side source of tricks in diamonds.

(c) 3♥. Allow partner to pass if he has opened with just 12 or so points, otherwise he’ll press on to 4♥.

(d) 3♥. Not 1♠.

*Immediate supporting bids guarantee four-card support except 1♥-2♥ with can show three.

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Andrew:

Bidding with a fit