Question:
Partner opened and I had the above hand. I have 10 HCP but, unfortunately, East has interrupted with my diamond suit. I ruled out the double, but I thought about 1S, 1NT or 2NT. Curious as to your thoughts. We were vulnerable.
Answer:
This type of auction comes up more often than people would think. When it happens to me, there are a number of things I have to consider. First, I can pass and hope partner reopens with a double. (Remember a double would be a negative double, so that’s ruled out right away). Second, if we have game somewhere and since we are vulnerable and they are not, we would have to set the opponent 4 tricks. Since we are at the 1 level, that may be too much to expect. So I would rule that out. As a result, I will bid normally. In most hands which are opened with a minor, the partnership is looking for a major suit fit, or opts for No Trump once it is determined that a major suit fit is not available. If I were to bid 1NT or 2NT in this instance, partner will never believe I have 4 spades and we could miss a spade fit. So, third, my response will be 1 Spade. (This bid is forcing one round and really is unlimited in HCP, hence partner cannot pass). The auction should proceed normally from there. If we do not have a spade fit, then I may be able to introduce NT later in the auction. For example, if partner bids 2 clubs over 1 spade, then I will bid 3 clubs, showing about 10 points. I would not bid NT since I don’t have hearts stopped or partially stopped. Partner may not have hearts stopped either. Now if partner probes with a 3D or 3H bid, I can bid 3NT.
So first, tell partner you have 4 spades. Then, try to show partner you have about 10 HCP, then show partner you have diamonds stopped. That would be the order of bidding you should use on this hand.