Your right-hand-opponent (RHO) can bid just at the right time or just at the worst time for you. Here is the one true statement:
Whenever your RHO bids, you can pass because partner will automatically have another chance to bid.
This does not say you must pass or you should pass. You CAN pass.
How does this affect your bidding?
RHO – Your Friend!
Sometimes your partner puts you in a very awkward position and your RHO saves you from humiliation:
1. You
♠ void Partner RHO You
♥ Q J 8 7 1♠ Double ??
♦ Q 9 8 3
♣ J 7 6 5 2
Pass. Without the double, you would respond 1 NT. You must show partner 6+ points because he might have a very big hand and your 6 points could be enough for game. However, 1 NT is not a good description of your distribution, to say the least.
But the overcall relieves you of the obligation because partner will get another chance to bid. Only come to life if partner bids one of your suits.
Here’s another bidding sequence filled with dread:
2. You
♠ 5 Partner RHO You LHO
♥ 6 4 1♠ Pass Pass 2♣
♦ 10 8 6 5 4 3 2♥ 3♣ ??
♣ J 6 4 3
Pass. Had your RHO passed instead of bidding 3♣, you would have been in a real jam; no bid would be right: passing when partner might only have four hearts is unappealing; bidding notrump is too aggressive with your point count; bidding 3♦ is quite heavy with your topless suit; going back to spades is a gross distortion, but unfortunately would be the lesser of all evils.
But the 3♣ bid saves you! Pass is perfect.
Often RHO’s bid saves you from making an awful bid. Always be aware that with a weak hand, you can pass.
© 2013 Roberta Salob
