Expert: Unhunk - 2/4/2012

Question
My partner opened with a one heart bid. They had 18 points with 6 hearts. First opponent passed. I had 10 points with 4 spades and 3 hearts.

I passed and so did the other opponent.

We played the hand and won 11 tricks.

I realised after the game that I should have opened with one spade. However, becuase of the strength of my partner's hand I wondered whether they shouldn't have opened at the 2 hearts level?

many thanks,

Barry

Answer
Hi,

If you and your partner are playing the British ACOL system then perhaps partner should have opened 2H if he felt his hand had eight playing tricks. Nonetheless, with 6 or more points you are obligated to respond to any one level suit bid and not to pass.