Lebensohl auction #3:

You’re dealt:

♠️K Q 3 2

♥️ 9

♦️ 6

♣️8 7 6 5 4 3 2                                     

                    North (Partner)

                    1♣️

                    2♥️

West (LHO)                            East (RHO)

Pass                                        Pass

                                               Pass

                   South (You)

                   1♠️

                   ?

As dealer, partner opens 1♣️. After you respond 1♠, partner reverses into 2♥️(a one-round force).

After surveying the situation, you realize that 3♣️ is the best contract; however, partner does not. A 3♣️ bid directly is ongoing and encouraging, showing club values and (typically) 9-11 HCP. Partner is not likely to pass. To circumvent the problem, bid 2NT: a relay to 3♣️.  At that point, pass quietly!

Here’s a bidding situation you might enjoy. Partner opens 2♥️ and your right-hand opponent passes.

You hold;

♠️ A Q J 7 6 5

♥️ A 9 5 4 3 2

♦️ 7

♣️ —

What do you bid?

A—Are you kidding? You know there will be no heart losers, since you have 12 between you and you hold the ace. There may be a diamond loser. You may have to finesse in spades.

When there’s a 50-50 chance to make a slam, bid it: 6♥️!