[j23185]

When partner opens one spade, opponent passes, must I have five hearts to bid two hearts? I understand if opponent had bid, I could use a negative double to show four hearts and so a two heart bid would indicate a five card heart suit. But in the first case with opponent passing I cannot double and I'm told I cannot bid my 4 card heart suit at the 2 level. Is this correct? I haven't been able to find this information online.

[P_Marlowe]

j23185, on 2025-July-18, 07:15, said:

When partner opens one spade, opponent passes, must I have five hearts to bid two hearts? I understand if opponent had bid, I could use a negative double to show four hearts and so a two heart bid would indicate a five card heart suit. But in the first case with opponent passing I cannot double and I'm told I cannot bid my 4 card heart suit at the 2 level. Is this correct? I haven't been able to find this information online.

Yes, a 2H response to a 1S opening showes usually 5 cards.

The reason: If you have only a 4 card heart suit, you either have another 4 card suit in the minor,
und with 2 suits being 44 you start with the the lower suit, or you have a 4 card fit for p, in which
case you should show the fit direct, or you are 4333 ... meaning you have 3 card support for p.

What you do with 3 card support and a bal. hand is a contentious topic ...

If you have below inv. strength, make the simple raise, this was the easy part.
If you have inv. strength / or game forcing strength .... I leave this to other.
With inv. strength I would make the limit raise, with game force strength I would bid
a 3 card minor suit, partner should treat the minor suit bid as showing 4+,
but other player will give you other answers.

Key is: if you bid a minor suit, you sometimes can hold a card less, than promised, if you bid a major suit,
you should have at least the number of cards you promised.