HAND
West Deals + No One Vulnerable
57
west
north
east
south
1♦ Dbl 2♦ ?
1. ♠
♥
♦
♣ 10 8 5 4 3
2.
Q 10 5
8 7 3
K 4 ♠
♥
♦
♣ 6 3
Q 9 8 4
J 7 5 3
A 7 2
3.
Q 9 6
4.
J 10 4
Q J 5 4
K 4 3 ♠
♥
♦
♣ Q 7
Q 10 5 4 3
8 7 6 3
A 7
♠
♥
♦
♣
ONE OF THE most potent areas of competitive bidding is
responding to partner's takeout double. When partner doubles
for takeout, he is offering three suits for your inspection. The
chances are good that you have a fit and if you have a few points
too, the hand may belong to your side. There is no area of bid-
ding where it is so incumbent on you to get involved.
What do you do with the four hands above?
HAND 1. Bid 2♠. This is not a close decision. You have five
high-card points in the suits partner is asking for and you have
a five-card major. That’s huge. Given that partner is showing at
least three spades and is likely to have four, you have a clear bid.
HAND 2. Bid 2♥. True, you have only four hearts, but partner
said he had hearts with you. If your partner overcalled 1♥, you
108 / hand 57