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

Hi Andy,

We play SAYC and multis; also use LTC and Bergen’s rule of 20.

Partner passed, and the bidding went as shown. His 2♠ was a cue bid, indicating 10+ points and heart support. As he didn’t open as dealer, I stopped in 3♥ making 10. Pairs who got to 4♥ opened as East. Would appreciate your advice on our actions.

Thanks for your help.
Regards, Henry

Hi Henry,

I agree with your analysis that West’s hand shouldn’t get excited too much given that partner’s a passed hand, so I would settle with 3♥ as well (as opposed to say, 3♣, if you had a bit of interest say if you had a 1534 shape).

I think the crux of the problem is East’s opening bid (or lack thereof). Personally I would pretty much always open any hand that has 12 HCP. The main reason for this is because (a) you get the first punch into the auction (which makes it easier for your side to win competitive auctions, and (b) you don’t need to feel like you have to play “catch up” if you pass with 12 HCP and later need to try and convince partner that you have 12.

This Rule of 20 that you mentioned is normally only applied for unbalanced hands where you are around the 10-11 HCP mark. 12 HCP hands need not apply that Rule as by definition 12 HCP are (or should be) opening hands.

Hope that helps
Andy