Hand of the week - 31 May 2026

28^th May Board 18

This week there were numerous hands which could all qualify as HAND of the week but I selected this one because it encompasses many aspects of bidding.

E is dealer and holds

S. AKT872

H  J9

D. T6

C. 854

It is very obvious that you will open 2S. My personal preference for this bid is that the suit holds 2 of top 3 honours and some intermediate cards, 10, 9 &8s, particularly when you are dealer. As there is 30+ hcp in the other 3 hands, also partner knows what to expect from your hand and can support you accordingly.

S is not going to allow you to play at that level as they are holding a good hand as follows

S.  3

H. 2

D. AK9432

C. AQJ73

How do you tell partner you are 2 suited in one bid, only one option is, Unusual 2NT. Bid 2NT.

The fun is not over yet.

W can support partner as he is holding

S.  QJ95

H. AK876543

D. Q

C. –

So how good is this hand, from the information above about the 2S bid and provided partner has not deviated, they should be holding at least AKQJxxxxxx in S, so no losing spades. Taking this into account you should just bid 6S or should you check if partner is holding any aces. NO, apart from AK in S which partner should have, you only have two losers, one H (Q) and one D.

As you are short in minors you know N must hold the remaining minors and his partner told him he is at least 5/5, you don’t want them interfering so take the Bull by thorns and bid 6S.

D was popular lead, so once dummy hits the table E finds they have 10 Ss and 10 Hs, so as long as Hs behave themselves and split 2/1, its a lay down 6S, losing just QD. If Hs do not behave play AK and then ruff a H, then play a minor from hand and ruff in dummy and play remaining H winners.

What if you just bid 4S, then N will bid his best minor, which is Cs and then there would be a battle to see who played the contract.