This is one of the simplest bids in the whole game, and yet the most valuable. The hardest thing about the bid is REMEMBERING to use it!!
If you have opened 1C, and your left-hand opponent has passed, and partner then bids 1H, you know that partner has at least four hearts. Partner may have five hearts, but this is not a promise. Partner only promises four hearts. Now, right-hand opponent muddies the water (its his job!!) by biding 2D. You are looking at
Axx ~~~~ KJxx ~~~ Kxx ~~~ Qxx
This hand poses no problem! Partner has responded to your opening bid with 1H, promising at least four hearts. You are looking at four hearts. Four and four is eight; you have a fit!! You would bid 2 hearts. But, what if your hand looked like this:
Axx ~~~~ KJx ~~~ Kxx ~~~ Qxxx
How long are you going to sit and stare at those three hearts wondering if partner has four or five?? If you bid 2H now, partner will think you have four hearts. What should you do? If you and partner are playing support doubles, you have no problem!! DOUBLE!! Double says, "Partner, have three of your hearts. Do you have five?" The direct bid of 2H would then say, "Partner, I have four hearts!! We have a fit!"
The Bidding Box
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