Bidding Q&A 01
We start this series with a deal that poses many questions, and also answers that the reader may or may not agree with. The deal comes from X-Clubs on 14/11/25
Board 18 . Dealer E NS Vul
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QJ63
A
T7642
653You sit West: South opens 1S
Q1. Would you bid 2S (Michaels) or 2H?
Let’s say West bids 2H. North has a standard raise to 2S
Q2. Should East now bid 3H?
A2. I say YES: if West can bid 2H, East can raise
Q3. What should South bid?
A3. “Bid what you think you can make”. Using the simple “TNT according to Vil”, South can be sure of at least a nine card spade fit and at least a combined 22 HCP which equals ten tricks and should therefore bid 4S
Q4. What would a bid of 3S by South mean?
A4. No, NOT invitational. It would mean just what it says: South thinks NS can make 3S. To INVITE game, every advanced NS pair should know that DOUBLE asks that question in that sequence
Q5. Given that South has bid 3S, can North have any reason to raise to game?
A5. Definitely NOT. It is up to South to look for game
Q6. Is the North hand not worth a TEN count because of the singleton ace of hearts?
A6. It is ridiculous to count the singleton ace twice. An ace is worth FOUR HCP not six. It would be different if the ace was in another suit and there was a small singleton heart as well. Those who are fixated on point count could then count the ace as 4HCP and the singleton heart as two.
Q7. If NS bid to 4S, should EW sacrifice in 5H?
A7. Yes, given the favourable vulnerabilty, West should definitely bid 5H if South bids 4S
Q8. What should happen next?
A8. Who knows! I believe North should pass and South then bid 5S but most likely East-West will be rewarded for their good bidding!
