Update 1/30/2020: I got the logic wrong on this when I made an editing error. I will repost it later today for all two of you who puzzled over it.
Most pairs did not get to slam on this hand. Would you get there? If so, how should the bidding go?
South was the dealer and opens one heart. Note that this is a sound opening bid: South has 12 high card points, plus one additional point for the 5th heart, plus two and ½ quick tricks.
How should North respond? I recommend the use of Jacoby 2NT. It’s an artificial, game forcing bid that tells partner you have 4+ hearts. Your eventual contract will be at least four hearts.
How about South’s rebid? South has a minimum opening bid with no singleton or void. I recommend South rebid four hearts. That’s known as fast arrival, informing partner that (based on your hand) you have no interest in going beyond game.
This is where it gets interesting. What should North do at her second turn? I recommend cue bidding as the way to possible slam. North cue bids five clubs, a primary cue bid showing 1st round control of clubs and denying 1st round control of spades (since spades were bypassed).
Now South cue bids five diamonds, the lowest available primary cue bid to show 1st round control of diamonds.
North, worried about spades based on the auction so far, retreats to five hearts.
Now South signs off in six hearts, since she has 1st round control of spades.
Nice article on primary and secondary cue bidding from Ron Klinger here. You will see a few editing errors, but the logic is clear and easy to figure out.
More on Jacoby 2NT here.
