3a.1: Opening the bidding with an unbalanced hand

What would you open with these?
1)S
H
D
C		 AKxxx
x
Qxxx
AJx 		2)S
H
D
C		 AKxxx
xx
x
AQJxx 		3)S
H
D
C		 x
AQxxx
KQJxx
xx 		4)S
H
D
C		 AKxxx
xx
J
Qxxxx
  1. 1S. This is your longest suit.
  2. 1D. Open the higher of two equal length suits, unless they are clubs and spades.
  3. 1H. The higher of two suits of equal length.
  4. Pass. You only have 10 points!
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3a.3: Discussion of responses to opening 1(suit)

What would you respond if partner opened 1H?
1)S
H
D
C		 Kxx
Jxxx
Axxx
xx 		2)S
H
D
C		 Kxx
xx
AQxx
Qxxx 		3)S
H
D
C		 xxx
QJxx
xx
Jxxx 		4)S
H
D
C		 Kxxx
xx
Axx
Qxxx 		5)S
H
D
C		 Kxx
AJxxxx
Qxxx
none
  1. 2H. You have a fit in hearts, and 9 points (1 extra for the doubleton).
  2. 2NT. You have a balanced hand without 4 cards in partner's suit, and 11 points.
  3. Pass. Even with the extra point for the doubleton, you don't have the 6 points needed to respond to partner's opening.
  4. 1S. You have a balanced hand and 9 points, but you should always show a 4 card major in preference to bidding 1NT.
  5. 4H. Although you only have 10 high card points, you can add 3 for the club void.
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3a.4.1: Partner supported your suit

You opened 1H, partner responded 2H. What is your rebid?
1)S
H
D
C		 AKQ
AQJxx
Jx
Qxx 		2)S
H
D
C		 Kx
KJxxx
AJxx
Jx 		3)S
H
D
C		 xx
KQJxx
AQx
KQx
  1. 4H. You have 19 points, and partner has at least 6; so you know you have enough points for game. Partner supported your suit, so you also know you have a fit.
  2. Pass. You only have 13 points, so even if partner has the maximum 9 points for his/her bid, you don't have enough for game.
  3. 3H. This time you have 17 points. If partner has 8 or 9 points there are enough for game, otherwise there aren't. 3H invites partner to bid game with 8/9 points.
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3a.4.2: Your partner responded in no trumps

What is your rebid with these hands after you opened 1H and partner responded 1NT?
1)S
H
D
C		 Kxx
AQxxx
Kxxx
x 		2)S
H
D
C		 AQx
Qxxxx
KQx
Ax 		3)S
H
D
C		 Qxx
AKQxxx
Jxx
x 		4)S
H
D
C		 Kx
AQJxx
x
AKxxx
5)S
H
D
C		 xxx
Kxxxx
KQx
Ax 		6)S
H
D
C		 QJx
AKQJxx
Qx
Ax 		7)S
H
D
C		 Axx
KQxx
KQJx
Ax 		8)S
H
D
C		 xx
AKJxxx
KQx
Ax
  1. 2D. You have an unbalanced hand of minimum opening strength, and a second suit, so bid that suit. Partner will choose between your suits.
  2. 2NT. Your hearts aren't very good, and your hand is fairly balanced, so playing in NT doesn't sound like a bad idea. If partner has 8/9 points you want to be in game, so bid 2NT, inviting partner to bid 3NT.
  3. 2H. You have a weak single-suited unbalanced hand. Partner should pass.
  4. 3C. Again, you have an unbalanced hand. However, this time it is strong, and has a second suit. This can be shown by jumping a level. Partner should bid again.
  5. Pass. Even if partner has 9 points, game is unlikely; and your hand is not unbalanced enough to make it worthwhile playing in 2H
  6. 4H. You have a very strong hand, and even if partner has only 6 points you have enough for game. Partner should have at least 2 hearts, so you know you have a fit.
  7. 3NT. Again, you have a strong hand. You were intending to rebid 3NT whatever partner responded, and there is no reason to change the plan now.
  8. 3H. If partner has a maximum (8/9 points), you have enough for game, so bid 3H inviting him to bid 4H if he has 8 or 9 points and a 3 card heart suit. Partner may prefer to bid 3NT if he has only 2 hearts - if so, let him play there.
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