Bridge Venue

• Question 1
  
  You are North after South has opened 1 Spade. What should you reply ?

• Answer 1
  
  You are North after South has opened 1 Spade. What should you reply ?
  
  Answer
  
  The problem with replying 1NT is that you might miss a Major fit. 75%-90% of Acol 1-Major openings have 5-card suits, and the next bid reveals the ones that don't. Provided you have something to make up for the lack of strength, you can avoid making a 1NT bid, which in this case would be unsafe with a weak doubleton in Hearts. And yes, it's the doubleton that is the extra thing ! It provides the opportunity for using the short hand to ruff, making up for the lack of length. Bid 2S

• Question 2
  
  Your partner South now bids 2NT. Does he have 15-16 HCP, or 17-18 ?

• Answer 2
  
  Your partner South now bids 2NT. Does he have 15-16 HCP, or 17-18 ?
  
  Answer
  
  His bid is invitational. He knows that you have 6-9 points (not 10-12), so he must have 17-18 and 4 Spades. With 8 or 9 HCP you could go to 3NT, so with 7HCP you don't have enough for 3NT. With 7 Spades in total, you don't have the 8-card fit needed for game. Best to pass.

• Question 3
  
  

• Answer 3
  
  

• Some subjects to follow up on

  42 After 1 Suit, No fit, no new suit, probably balanced 21 Bal, 12 to 19 HCPs, weak NT