This conundrum was written by NICOLAS LHUISSIER and was originally published in the magazine Bridgerama+ No. 68 - you can find out all about it further down the page.
Variations on a hand
1. What do you bid as West?
2. What do you bid as West?
3. What do you bid as West?
Click here to reveal the answer
3NT: For the moment, this 3♠ bid must be taken as natural and forcing. As you don’t have the slightest support in Spades, say 3NT. This does not guarantee any stoppers in the minors but simply shows reluctance to play in Spades. East already knows that you have seven Hearts, so he will revert to 4♥ if he thinks it’s better.
3♥: You might be tempted to say only 2♥ with 9 HCP. But your seven magnificent Hearts are worth a slightly more alluring invitation to game. East is nevertheless free to pass if he judges his hand to be a minimum, as this is a non-forcing bid.
3♥: A sign-off at 4♥ would be a little pessimistic. There is hope for a slam, but you need your partner’s approval to make it happen! This time, the 3♥ bid is forcing and sets Hearts as trumps, showing slam interest. Perfect.
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