Andrew:

Responding to a one of a suit opening bid

The first goal of the bidding is to find a mutually agreeable trump suit with partner – a fit – that’s eight cards between the partnership.

Exercise: Say partner opens 1 ♥. What would you respond with these hands?

Hand a)		Hand b)		Hand c)
♠ 8 2 ♥ J 8 6 2 ♦ 8 7 ♣ A J 10 3 2		♠ 3 2 ♥ 7 4 3 2 ♦ 7 6 ♣ A K J 8 7		♠ A J 4 2 ♥ 6 3 ♦ Q 9 7 2 ♣ Q 7 6

Answer:

2 ♥. Partner must have at least four hearts so you have a fit. Your 2 ♥ bid shows a weakish hand.
2 ♥. No need to mention clubs as you have found a fit. And in a major-suit to boot, higher-scoring.
1 ♠. No heart fit, so try to find a fit elsewhere, choosing your cheaper four-card suit.

Free Bridge Taster

The Next Level Book and Arrow Packs

Learn Bridge DVD