By Barry Rigal

Dear Mr. Rigal: If I open one club and my left-hand opponent passes, can my partner pass with fewer than 6 points, or is my opener a demand bid?

Answer: One club is not a demand bid, so one can pass, but there are several factors that might affect the issue. If partner opens in third or fourth seat and the opponents have both passed, you would be less inclined to bid just to keep the opponents out. The more side shape and the less fit you have, the more inclined you should be to bid to improve the contract. Most 0-3 hands will pass unless they are trying a tactical maneuver to keep the opponents out.

Dear Mr. Rigal: We play the Jacoby two no-trump without interference. Is it also possible to play two no-trump as a raise for partner’s major suit in competition?

Answer: Yes, this is what most expert partnerships do, though they tend to play two no-trump as an invitational or better four-card raise rather than a game-forcing one as per normal Jacoby. This principle can also be used in response to overcalls. Thus, the cue bid can be defined as a three-card raise. The difference between an eight- and nine-card fit is substantial in competitive bidding. I would recommend playing natural game tries in these competitive auctions after the two no-trump call, with splinter jumps. If you are unlucky enough to pick up a hand for a natural two no-trump, start with a negative double.

Dear Mr. Rigal:When should dummy’s card be turned facedown after a trick has been played?

Answer: Dummy should wait and turn the card over only after all other players have turned theirs. That is the proper etiquette, though not everyone follows it.

Dear Mr. Rigal:We use Smith echo signals in my regular partnership. In this context, if the first trick goes: low, low, king, ace against no-trump, what does it mean if partner (third hand) plays high on the second trick to say he likes the lead?

Answer: The Smith echo relates to the suit led at trick one against no-trump. An echo from either the opening leader or his partner in a different suit at trick two can be used to say he would like the trick one suit continued. In the situation you give, partner has already denied the queen by playing his king at trick one, so his echo should show the jack (or maybe the 10 with extra length).

Dear Mr. Rigal:What would you do with ? Q-6, ? 5, ? A-Q-J-7-4, ? K-10-4-3-2 after your right-hand opponent opens one heart, no one vulnerable?

Answer: I can see a case for overcalling two diamonds in my better suit; if partner has a good hand without a fit, we might reach three no-trump. However, the odds are against us having a game on, so I prefer to show both of my suits with an unusual two no-trump, targeting a fit in either suit. It could be that we have a paying sacrifice in five clubs over four hearts. Yes, we might lose big on a misfit deal, but the same could happen if I overcall at the two-level.

Contact Barry Rigal, email him at barryrigal@hotmail.com