Deal 16 ♠  
♥  
♦  
♣   		 
 WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1♥pass BID 
 
 
 
 
The bidding has been as shown. What do you bid?
  ♠ A K 10 8
♥ 9 8 5 3
♦ Q 10 9 6
♣ 8 		 

 
Deal 16 ♠ 7 5
♥ A K 10 7 6 4
♦ K J
♣ Q J 10 6 		 
 WEST  NORTH  EAST  SOUTH
1♥pass3♥
pass4♥passpass
pass
 
 
The bidding has been as shown. What do you bid?

You could bid 1♠. Many would do so, thinking "I have to show partner my ♠ suit."

In fact, you don't have to show partner your ♠ suit. You already know of a partnership 9-card fit in ♥s, so there is no reason to search for a possible 8-card fit in ♠s.

With 11 points and 4 trumps you bid 3♥, a limit raise. Partner raises to game.


 Deal 17 
  ♠ A K 10 8
♥ 9 8 5 3
♦ Q 10 9 6
♣ 8