30th August 2017


Here is another bidding problem from the Northern Bridge League on 19th August.


 S  K
 H  A872
 D  AKJ75
 C  AJ9

  Love All IMPs Dealer East

South
West
North
East



Pass
1D 2D(1) Pass
2H/S
?




(1) West's two diamonds shows both majors at least five cards in each.

What do you bid if East bids two hearts and what do you bid if East bids two spades?


Solutions

If East bids two hearts you are probably best to go quietly despite your 20 points.  You expect to beat two hearts and there is no guarantee that partner has any useful values.

If East bids two spades, then it is more likely that they have a reasonable fit so your chances of having a fit in one of the minors is improved, so double for take out looks the best option.

In the event East had a doubleton in both majors.  If you double two spades partner will make a penalty pass and that should go two off.  Two hearts also goes two off.

The full deal was


Dealer East
S
98764
   
Love All
H
104
   
    D Q97
   
    C Q64
   
S
A10532
    S
QJ
H
KQJ53
    H
96
D
103
    D
842
C
10
    C
K87532
    S
K
   
    H
A872
   
    D
AKJ65
   
    C
AJ9