What is the minimum strength South showing on the auction below?
What is the maximum strength South could have?
How many hearts is South showing?
| North | East | South | West |
| 1♥ | Pass | 1♠ | Pass |
| 2♦ | Pass | 2♥ |
South is simply showing a preference for spades over diamonds. South might have a hand like
♠Kxxx ♥xx ♦xxx ♣Kxxx amd prefers to play in a 5-2 heart fit rather than a potential 4-3 diamond fit.
- South’s preference for hearts doesn’t show any extra values. They are simply taking a preference. South’s minimum strength is the same as the minimum for their 1♠ response (typically 6 points, but may be lighter).
- South didn’t make a game forcing bid (e.g. jumping to game, or using 4th Suit Forcing). So South doesn’t have a game forcing hand.
South didn’t make an invitational bid (e.g. 2NT, 3♦, 3♥, or 3♠). So South has less than invitational values. South has 10 or less points. - South is likely to have a heart doubleton on the auction because they took a preference for hearts, but didn’t support hearts initially.
Here is another example of taking a preference.
| North | East | South | West |
| 1♦ | Pass | 1♠ | Pass |
| 2♣ | Pass | 2♦ |
South may have a hand like ♠Qxxx ♥xxx ♦xxx ♣Axx.
South is simply taking a preference for opener’s first suit which is presumably as long or longer than their 2nd suit.
Key Learning Point
Don’t leave partner in their 2nd suit just because you are weak. If you have a preference for opener’s first suit, put partner in their 1st suit.
You aren’t showing extra strength. You aren’t guaranteeing a fit.
