Tramticket

I play a weak NT with 4 suit tansfers, but I guess the continuations are similar after adjusting for the different strength NT. Our rule is that we insist on a six-card suit for a transfer to a minor. We can then disctinguish between 6-4 hands and 5-4 hands: - With 6-4: transfer to the minor and then bid the second four-card suit. - With 5-4: bid Stayman to enquire for a 4-4 major suit fit. If no fit is found, a bid of 3m shows a FIVE card suit only.

Yes Jacoby

The 1H opener is not particularly to my taste - though most probably will open it. I also prefer a 4C splinter to Lebensohl, this will allow partner to be better involved in the conversation. As it happens I think the contract can be made! Ruff clubs to isolate the menace against South and squeeze South in the black suits!

2D is a nothing bid promising as few as zero points. 3D and 1NT are both reasonable. But 2H looks like a good alternative. Normally it would be a big overbid on this hand - but given that I am already passed ...

10 HCP, but ... - A balanced hand. - No honour combinations. - Points are in the short suits. - Only an average number of 10s and 9s. I would value this as a 9 count at best. I wouldn't dream of opening it ... particularly in second seat! I sometimes play with team-mates who play a mini no trump (10-12). But I rather suspect that this hand is too weak even for them!

This is an ugly hand for those of us who play Acol. What is the least bad bid? I would open 1D and rebid 2C (including over a 1NT response). This shows an unbalanced hand (tick), a wide point range (tick), five diamonds (oops), four+ clubs (tick). Yes you have mis-led partner about your diamonds - but you usually get a bit more leaway in a minor suit.

Pass - partner is still there and free to bid (or double). Nobody seems to be questioning the 1 spade opening bid. There must be a case for passing initially. We all have plenty of gadgets to allow us to compete on two-suited hands, if that is appropriate. My experience is that you can describe your hand quicker and more accurately by starting with a pass. (particularly as you own the spade suit).