Nil Vul N Dealer	♠ K Q 9 8 4 ♥ J ♦ 10 ♣ K Q J 7 4 3
♠ J 10 3 ♥ Q 10 7 6 3 ♦ A 3 ♣ A 10 5		♠ A 7 5 ♥ A 4 2 ♦ Q J 8 2 ♣ 9 8 2
	♠ 6 2 ♥ K 9 8 5 ♦ K 9 7 6 5 4 ♣ 6

Our system is Standard, 3+clubs. 1♣-1♥,1♠ shows shape. Is 2♠ here passable? Does North’s bidding show a good hand as well as 6-5 shape? Would it be better for North to rebid 2♣ as the hand is very minimum? Or to open the hand 1♠? The 2NT contract was hopeless -3. Partner could have pulled it to 3♣, which would have been better.

Hi Margaret,

Assuming that a sequence of 1♣-1♥; 2♠ is Natural and Game force, then the given sequence 1♣-1♥; 1♠-1NT; 2♠ is definitely passable. This sequence shows a minimum but OK hand, and definitely shows a 5-6 shape. It is a minimum hand where game can be makeable opposite the right hand (e.g. say responder had a spade fit and two aces). North’s current hand is OK, though make the suit quality weaker, then it would be better to rebid 2♣. Make North’s hand slightly stronger and you might now think about bidding 3♠ over 1NT, which still isn’t forcing (given the lack of 2♠ rebid on the second turn), but a better hand.

When you have 5Major 6minor, I would say it almost always pays to open your longest suit first, and see if you can show your major along the way. Opening the longest suit first will hugely benefit you if there is competitive bidding as you may be faced with a 5-level decision and it would be very important for you to be in your best trump suit.

As for the actual hand and auction, South should just pass 2♠ given that 2♠ is not forcing, and with a misfit, bail out in a suit contract. Even bidding 3♣ is OK, but I would probably try the 5-2 fit at a lower level.

Hope that helps,
Andy