Redouble.

Your partner opens 1♠ and South doubles for take-out. You have no support for spades, but you do have a good hand. The answer to this question relies on your knowledge of your system. With no support for partner’s suit and 9+ points, you should start by redoubling: this suggests that your side has the majority of the points and you might be able to take a penalty from your opponents. Without this knowledge, you might have bid a minor or even jumped to 2NT, but the redouble is so much better because it sometimes leaves your opponents stranded. Whatever contract your opponents choose they are likely to go down by at least two tricks, which if doubled is worth 500 points: more than a game your way. After the strong redouble, any subsequent doubles are for penalties.

East Hand ♠ AK753 ♥ A62 ♦ K4 ♣ 732

3♥.

Your partner rebids 2NT which in modern Acol shows 18-19 points. You have plenty of strength for game, but you would like to play in the best game, which looks as if it might be a major suit. You cannot be sure because you might not have a fit in either spades or hearts, but you would like to check before committing to 3NT. Any bid over 2NT is forcing to game which means you have the time to talk. Because you want to explore both major options you should continue by bidding 3♥. You did not support hearts on the first round so your partner will expect only three-card support. He will either accept hearts by raising to 4♥, or he will show three cards in spades by bidding 3♠ or finally he could bid 3NT with no further interest in the majors. Here, your partner will bid 4♥ and you reach the best game: 11 tricks are likely in hearts, whilst a diamond lead might endanger 3NT.

East hand ♠ A2 ♥ K9843 ♦ A94 ♣ AK2

3♠.

Your partner has raised to 3♦ showing 10-12 points and 4+ diamonds, but also denying length in either major. When a minor is supported, both members of the partnership should have aspirations towards no-trumps and all their bids will be directed in that direction until they get to the 4-level (above 3NT). With extra strength you would like to go for game, but without a heart stop you cannot be sure of 3NT. Furthermore, 3NT might be better played by your partner. Bids in new suits show strength in the suit, but are not natural in the sense that they are aiming to play in the suit – they are stop-showing no-trump trial bids. You bid 3♠, showing your spade strength, but just as importantly suggesting a weakness in hearts (because you missed the suit out). Your partner replies with 3NT, happy that his ♥K is protected from harm if he is the declarer. There are nine top tricks in no-trumps and a tenth will come if a heart is led. Had you risked 3NT then the contract might have gone down because a heart lead would go through the king rather than up to it. 
 

East Hand ♠ 876 ♥ K2 ♦ KQ43 ♣ K832

3♥.

The key here is to remember how many hearts your partner’s 2♥ response shows. It should promise at least five hearts, which means you have a fit and can support hearts. You make a minimum raise to 3♥, which your partner will raise to game. The reason that a 2♥  response should always have at least five cards is because it takes the auction very high and it can be difficult to find the best fit if you think your partner might have only four hearts.

East Hand ♠ 6 ♥ AQJ73 ♦ A9753 ♣ 43