Expert: Andrew Gumperz - 11/3/2009

Question
I have a question about opener's rebid in this scenario:

Opener has 17 point hand with
   3 spades
   5 hearts
   4 diamonds
   1 clubs
Opener bids 1 heart, responder bids 2 hearts meaning 6-9 points.  How would opener relay a medium strength hand?  He can't rebid hearts since he does not have 6, and can't bid spades.  Wouldn't bidding a new diamond suit be forcing one round?  Thanks in advance.


Answer
Hello Rosanne,

Yes a 3D call would be natural and forcing for one round. After an auction begins: 1M-(P)-2M-(P) any bid lower than 3H is natural and forcing for one round and shows a medium hand (often called a game invitational hand). These bids are called "game tries." They are intended to help partner judge whether the partnership should play 3H or 4H. For example:

1H-(P)-2H-(P)
3D-(P)-?

You hold: xx, Kxx, KJx, xxxxx
When partner also has values in diamonds, your hand is easily worth a call of 4H.

You hold: xx, Kxx, xxx, KJxxx
With the values in clubs probably wasted, your hand should signoff in 3H.


I hope that helps. Good luck and enjoy your bridge!


Andrew