How to Show a Minimum Opening Hand after Partner Bids a New Suit

Bridge Hands » Showing a Minimum
Showing a Minimum Hand

"TOO MUCH INFORMATION"

	South	West	North	East
	1	Pass	2	Pass
	2	Pass	4	Pass
	Pass	Pass	Pass

	North shows more than a single raise (7-10 pts) by first bidding their Diamonds. South has a minimum opener so simply rebids their Hearts. North now makes the comfortable raise to 4H and West leads the 4S to get things started.

PLAY OF THE HAND

Declarer has 10 tricks in the red suits there for the taking.

1)	West leads the 4S to East's Ace.
2)	East returns the 2S to West's King.
3)	West leads a low Club to partner's Ace.
4)	A Club back to West and Declarer is down!

WHAT WENT WRONG

Declarer has 10 tricks in the red suits but first they must get in. There's really nothing they can do to avoid 2 quick losers in the black suits though, so what's the solution? Well maybe they're in the wrong contract. How about 3NT where you only have to take 9 tricks. Unfortunately E/W will get 2 Spade tricks and 5 Club tricks by finessing South's QC. Down 3!

"TOO MUCH INFORMATION"

	South	West	North	East
	1	Pass	3	Pass
	4	Pass	Pass	Pass

	North counts 10 HCP plus 2 for the doubletons and 1 more for the honor in partner's suit. With 13 pts they bid 3H and South bids game. Now West hasn't been warned of Diamonds and makes the normal JD lead. N/S has 10 red tricks. Don't bid a suit just to show it, it tips off the defense.

"ANOTHER PUZZLE"

The bid is 6H and West leads the King of Spades. As East, things don't look so good for your side. How do you play to defeat the contract?

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How to Show a Minimum Opening Hand after Partner Bids a New Suit