All In One – Lesson 1

Answers

1. 2♣. You have the correct distribution, but not the correct strength for a reverse. To rebid 2♥ your hand strength must be at least 17 points. A rebid of the opening bid suit describes a minimum strength opening bid (13-16). In most cases, the suit should be 6+ cards, but in this case no other rebid is even close. Reserve 1NT rebids for balanced hands.

2. 1♣. With balanced hands either too weak or too strong to open 1NT, you must use a convenient minor. Open your longest minor, 1♦ when you are 4-4 in the minors, and 1♣ when you are 3-3 in the minors. This is irrespective of the suit strengths.

3. 1♠. The one-level is a “free zone” for advertising an opening lead. You should very happily overcall 1♠ to tell partner what to lead. A good suit with a source of tricks is fine even if the hand is otherwise quite weak.

4. Pass. You are going to defeat 3NT with five heart tricks and you are on lead so partner does not even have to make the correct opening lead. Should you double? Definitely not. If you, pass you will score +50. If you double what will the opponents do? They will consider what a passed hand thinks it can defeat 3NT and look at the weakness in hearts and run to the longest suit in sight. Can your side defeat 4♣, 4♦ or 4♠? Unknown and unlikely. Take the sure plus by passing.