This bidding section is meant for beginners and those players who like to keep it simple. Test your knowledge.

What should South bid?

Solution

South bids 2♥.
Observe that this situation is completely different from the one South is in after his partner has opened.
Here, after partner's double and East's pass, South is under obligation to bid. Therefore, if South now makes a (non-jump) bid in a suit, he shows 'nothing'; he will do so on zero points. After that North will usually pass (unless he has a very strong hand).
Since South's actual hand may be enough for game if partner has only a little bit extra, South must do more: over 1♥ North will pass, also if he has the desired little bit extra. So South should jump to 2♥, showing 8-11 points and at least four hearts. The bid is not forcing but invitational.
Once more:
- Over partner's opening or overcall we bid because we have (some) strength.
- Over partner's take-out double we bid because we have to!