When you open the bidding in one of a suit and partner raises to two, take a long look before you go to the three level. Here’s a case in point. South is dealing with no one vulnerable:

NORTH

♠️ J 5 3

♥️ A J 5

♦️ 10 8 6 5

♣️ 7 3 2

SOUTH

♠️ K 4

♥️  K Q 10 8 7 6

♦️ A 9 4

♣️ 8 5

The bidding has proceeded as follows:

South      North

1♥️        2♥️

?

What do you bid?

I know what some players would tell me: “With nine trumps, bid to the nine-trick level: 3H. You said!”

There are at two problems with this logic. First, you’ve bid your values. No reason to go on. Second, when you bid 3♥️ , you’re inviting game. Partner will raise with 8 high-card points or more. Now you’re really in the soup.

Is this standard immutable? There are exceptions to every rule. That’s why bridge “rules” should be known as “guidelines.”

Let’s try this auction:

NORTH

♠️  Q 4

♥️ A J 5

♦️ 10 8 6 5

♣️ 7 4 3 2

SOUTH

♠️  K 3

♥️  K Q 10 8 7

♦️ A J 9 7 4

♣️ 8

The bidding proceeded as follows:

South      North

1♥️       2♥️

?

What do you bid?

A.—You have the same minimum opener and, as far as you know, only eight trump. You also have only five losers, and partner’s raise should erase two of them. Incredible as it sounds, bid 4♥️ .