This conundrum was written by NICOLAS LHUISSIER and was originally published in the magazine Bridgerama+ No. 67 - you can find out all about it further down the page.
Variations on a hand
4. What do you bid as West?
5. What do you bid as West?
6. What do you bid as West?
Click here to reveal the answer
2♣: You are looking at a spade fit and 11–12 HLD and you have an excellent means to show this in one simple bid, all while staying at a low level. Opt for Drury, a very useful convention when you are a passed hand.
2NT: A rather unpleasant situation. You are not sure which contract to play and don’t want to make a unilateral decision. One way to win some time is to start with 2NT, an artificial bid called “mini cue-bid” which is forcing, promising at least 8 HCP and that allows partner to show possible extras (Other possibilities are to play Lebensohl or Rubensohl.)
6♥: our partner’s 5♥ bid after his 4NT (supposed to show a two-suiter) is strange: why did he not bid 5♥ directly if he wants to impose Hearts as trumps? He did it to show that he has a one-suiter in Hearts and that he is very interested in slam with a hand that is too strong for a direct 5♥ bid. Thus, with four useful trumps, two down in trumps, you must willingly agree to play the small slam.
The November issue of Bridgerama+ opens with a clear, practical Step by Step Declarer Play guide on managing entries and timing.
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