Assuming the auction began with a suit opener and a new suit response (from you), one of four things next happened:
Considering (1), opener has shown his shape and strength. Say the auction began 1♦ -1♠-1NT, showing 15-16 balanced. What would you (as responder) bid with:
Hand (a) | Hand (b) | Hand (c) | Hand (d) | |||
♠ A 9 8 5 ♥ K J 7 ♦ Q 8 ♣ J 8 7 4 |
♠ K J 9 8 7 6 ♥ A 3 2 ♦ 4 ♣ Q 10 8 |
♠ Q 9 7 6 ♥ J 7 5 ♦ 7 6 ♣ A J 3 2 |
♠ A Q 7 5 ♥ K 10 5 ♦ 7 6 3 ♣ 9 8 7 |
With the first two, you know the partnership have the 25 points for game; bid 3NT with the first and 4♠ with the second (partner has two+ spades for his balanced rebid, making a fit of eight cards). Pass with the third (no game and no desire for a trump suit) and make an invitational raise to 2NT with the last, asking opener whether he is maximum (16) or minimum (15).
South Deals N-S Vul |
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West | North | East | South |
1 ♦ | |||
Pass | 1 ♠ | Pass | 1 NT1 |
Pass | Pass2 | Pass |
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What happened
Languishing in just 1 NT, declarer won ♥ 2 lead (to East’s ♥ Q) with ♥ K. He then cashed ♦ AKQ and, no 3-3 split, led ♣ 4 to ♣ 6 and ♣ Q. ♣ 9 to his ♣ 10 was won by West’s ♣ A, and West cashed ♦ J and ♥ AJ6. Eight tricks and part-score made plus one.
What should have happened
West | North | East | South |
1 ♦ | Pass | 1 ♠ | |
Pass | 1 N | Pass | 2 N1 |
Pass | 3 N2 | Pass | Pass |
Pass |
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Declarer should knock out ♣ A straight away (key play). West can win ♣ A and cash ♥ AJ6, but is powerless to prevent declarer scoring ♠ AK, ♥ K (after the ♥ 2 lead), ♦ AKQ, and three promoted clubs. Nine tricks and game made.
If you remember just one thing....
Work out how many points partner has shown. Try for game if there is a chance of 25 points.