Which Game?
Choosing the right game contract
1. "Game" in opener’s Major suit (25 TP's and a Fit in trumps between you and your partner) If you have 4 cards in your partner’s suit, you have at least 8 trumps between you. Partner has promised at least 5 with the opening bid (majors only). Having 8 trumps is called a FIT. If you have a fit in a major, that will be the best place to play your game.
2. "Game" in Notrumps (25 HCP's between you and your partner) If you don’t have 4-card support for your partner’s major suit, you should usually bid 3NT.
3. "Game" in opener’s Minor suit (27 TP's between you and your partner)
Because 9 tricks in 3NT scores the same as 11 tricks in 5♣ or 5♦. If 5 of a minor makes, then is is very likely 3NT will make more than 9 tricks giving a better score.
Exercise: Your partner opens the bidding with 1♣, you respond and bid 1♦, partner then rebids 2NT what is your bid?
- ♠ Q 9 7
- ♥ A 7 6
- ♦ K 9 8 6
- ♣ Q 7 4
Answer: You should bid 3NT. Your partner opened 1♣ you responded with 1♦, when partner rebid 2NT they are showing 17-18 HCP no major suit and a flat distribution, with your 11 HCP you have enough to be in 'game' in No Trumps