Too Strong? Go Long!

When you have a hand that is too strong to describe in one bid, think about making bids that allow you to extend the auction so that you can either tell your entire story or allows your partner to tell you more about their story. West has two Options: Bid a new suit;...

Another Slam Unbidden

This is a tough hand if you are not playing 2/1 Game Force.  South has to make the ‘leap of faith’ that if North opened the bidding AND raised clubs that some of his HCPs are in the club suit and that a double fit will give them a good chance to make slam...

Bid Slow, Learn More!

The auction should go:   N             S 2N           3♣ 3♦           3♠ 3N           4♠   North as 20-21 HCP and a balanced hand so should open 2N. We know that a 4/4 major fit would play a trick better than a 5/3 fit or a 6/2 fit so you should bid Stayman...

Go Slow ‘Till You Know

My partner (West), opened 1♠ and my RHO (north) bid 2♦. As East I held: ♠ void  ♥KQJ965432 ♦void  ♣A653 What should I bid?   What a hand!  Just bid 2♥.  A new suit by Responder is forcing.  Opener can not pass. There’s no need to make a decision at your first...

Go for the Gold

The bidding should go in one of two directions.  An aggressive pair: N          S 1C       1N 2S        3C 3S        4H (in expert circles – cuebidding the ♥A, If South had      really held hearts they would have bid them over 1♣                 therefore this must be...

Strength Showing Doubles

What should I bid after my opponent has opened the bidding? I assume your opponent opened 1♣ I would double with your hand.  “As an Overcaller all really good hands start with a double.” After the double, your partner should cuebid the opponent’s suit by...

No Double Dipping

No Double Dipping! I was North. I Splintered to show point count. Obviously, I wanted to play in hearts. Should I just have bid game since three of my points were most likely going to be lost? N DEALS NONE VUL I think a few things happened to derail this hand. You...

Exception to the Rule

How do we make slam? You didn’t tell me who opened so I’m going to assume it was the person (I’ll call North) with the 18-point hand as I can’t imagine that if South opened 1NT that you would have missed a Slam. So, here is my suggested bidding: North             ...

Don’t Forget to Count

West North East South       Pass Pass 1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass   Opening Lead was the A♦. The hand record says that I can make 4♠, but I don’t see it. Is this one of those times you were telling us about that the hand record expects you to do...