AQ10 AK92 4 AQJ95

2

2

1

LHO leaps to 2, and partner finds a negative double. RHO pushes to 3. I have an easy 4 bid. Partner's negative double doesn't guarantee four cards in each major, and he could have a very good hand.

Not altogether surprisingly, partner chooses 4. Now what? It seems natural to bid 5, but is that best? It ought to be ambiguous about strain, but maybe partner will think I'm confirming spades and looking for slam. He oughtn't; I should bid 5 to confirm spades and invite slam, but many players will think that denies a diamond control whereas 5 is the same thing, but with a control. Regardless, 5 isn't a bad bid. Is there something better?

I think so, yes. What about 5? Is that forcing? Yes, it has to be, because it's technically a reverse. In order for partner to take a preference to my first bid suit, he has to raise the level. That's the definition of reverse, and that's what he has to do. So 5 is forcing. Will it tell me what I need to know? I think so. If partner has four hearts, he'll raise hearts. If he has five decent spades, he'll bid spades. If he has three good clubs, he'll bid clubs. 5 doesn't help me decide about level, but unless I commit to spades, I can't stop below slam anyway, and, frankly, I'm OK with that.

So I bid 5. Partner goes into the tank, as well he might. He thinks and he thinks. And thinks some more. And emerges with 5NT. Cool! That's obviously pick a slam, and I know which to pick, 6. Everyone passes that. Partner turns out to have

	J9532 Q63 A10 1076
	AQ10 AK92 4 AQJ95

6

In practice, 6 makes easily, but 4 (Yes, 4! Teammates said, "don't ask.") goes down at the other table! This is the only big swing board in the match, so we win it easily.