Hand Question 26
Bidding NS
Hi Bernard, Dealer passed and I opened with no opposition bidding. 1NT 2S(minor suit transfer) 3C 3D Pass. I assumed North was weak so passed the transfer. We scored 0% as most tables were in 3NT. What is your advice on the bidding? Does North simply have to gamble on a game bid?
Bernard's Answer
Playing normal conventions, the best response with the North hand is simply 3NT - North wants to be in game and the most likely best game is 3NT. 2S is generally used to show weak hands with one long minor, so the auction given shows a weak hand with diamonds. When I used to play all sorts of conventions, I used to include one option in the 2S response to 1NT to show 5-5 in the minors! The responder bids 2S, then follows up with his short major! 1NT - 2S - 2N - 3H! (The 3H bid shows shortage in hearts, confirming length in both minors) now the opener can decide the final contract - here it would be 3NT. (it does not come up very often!)