When the opponents meddle with the bidding by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♦: When the two opponents have each bid a suit, a sequence like this implies worry about hearts, not clubs. Maybe your partner has three small hearts? In any event, since you can't bid no-trump or suggest a partial stopper, you can bid three diamonds to say where you live, and let partner make the next move.


Your result so far:

A: Double: Since a jump to three spades would be based on shape, not high cards, your choice is to bid three hearts as a spade raise or double for takeout, then bid spades. I prefer the second route; with a defensive hand, you don't want partner saving in four spades prematurely. By showing your strength first, you save him from error.


Your result so far:

A: 3NT: Many people use a two-club check-back by responder here to investigate opener's shape in more detail. I'm not convinced that approach is correct with this hand. Given all the side-honors in the unbid suits and a balanced hand, a simple jump to three no-trump looks practical and gives far less away

Your result so far:

A: 1♠: Do not hesitate to make a one-spade overcall, even if your chances of declaring the final contract are relatively low. With a chunky suit and a strong preference for a spade lead rather than a heart lead, you should take any relatively safe opportunity to get into the auction, no matter what the form of scoring or vulnerability.


Your result so far:

A: 4NT: To get both your suits into play, bid four no-trump now. This cannot be Blackwood facing a passed partner. Instead, it is an extension of the unusual no-trump, indicating 6-5 or 7-5 in the minors, letting partner pick where he wants to play.


Your result so far: