♠Q 9 6 5 ♥Q 10 5 ♦J ♣Q J 8 7 5
| West | North | East | South |
| 1NT | 2♦1 | Pass | ? |
(1) One major.
| 2♥ | 2♠ | 2NT | ||
| 3♣ | 3♦ | 3♥ | 3♠ | 3NT |
| 4♣ | 4♦ | 4♥ | 4♠ | 4NT |
| 5♣ | 5♦ | 5♥ | 5♠ | 5NT |
| 6♣ | 6♦ | 6♥ | 6♠ | 6NT |
| 7♣ | 7♦ | 7♥ | 7♠ | 7NT |
| Pass | Dbl |
What’s your call?
The majority bid 2♥, meaning pass or correct. South has some values, but North may be just competing.
“2♥,” said Kitty and Steve Cooper. “There’s no reason to bid higher when vulnerable at matchpoints.”
“2♥,” echoed Karen Walker. “This one should be unanimous with this pile of queens.”
Walker made a good point. You have values, but they are soft.
“2♥, which is pass or correct,” said Jill Meyers. “I don’t understand why this is a problem.”
Allan Falk agreed. “There’s no good reason to stretch for game with this prime-less hand,” he said. “I don’t want to risk a minus score or punish partner for competing.”
“2♥ allows partner some leeway,” said Larry Cohen. “I’d like to know what double would have shown and whether North had a way to show a major suit with good values.”
“2♥,” said Don Stack. “This is pass or correct. I don’t believe I’m strong enough for a 3♥ pass or correct bid.”
Five experts didn’t agree. They thought it was strong enough to jump to 3♥.
“3♥ serves the dual purpose of upping the ante and also making a very mild game try,” said Barry Rigal. “Most real invitations begin with 2NT.”
“3♥ as pass or correct seems automatic,” said Mel Colchamiro. “Not looking for game, just preemption. Who knows how adventuresome partner is being.”
“We would bid 3♥ regardless of vulnerability,” said Linda and Robb Gordon. “We have a nine- to 11-card fit and need to get involved.”
“3♥ is the level I would have raised to if partner had overcalled her major,” said Kerri Sanborn. “I don’t think my quacks (queens and jacks) are enough for a serious game try of 2NT.”
Steve Robinson thought it was strong enough to try for game.
“2NT,” he said. “This is my strongest invite.”
Two other panelists were willing to try for game, but with a different bid.
“3♦ is obviously a cuebid and acts as an invitational raise of either major,” said August Boehm. “I hope my hand is worth it.”
“3♦ should be invitational in partner’s major,” said Peggy and John Sutherlin.
Bidding 2♥ is pass or correct. Don’t punish partner for competing.
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