PASS

A bid is either telling or asking.

The most underused bid in competition is the "pass". This is saying in effect "I have no extra values or information to tell you about that I have not told you with my previous bid".

Lets look at the auction where you open 1NT and your partner replies 2♣ (Stayman). Your RHO doubles .. Obviously showing a club suit.

• If you have a major you would now bid 2♥/♠ .
• If you don’t have a major but DO have a club suit…..then redouble
• If you don’t have a major but DO have a diamond suit………then bid 2 ♦.
• If you don’t have a major and no good club suit or a good diamond suit…then PASS

Can you see; by coming in with a double the opponent has allowed you to tell an enormous amount to your partner. He will now be in a position to take whatever action he thinks fit.

Another auction.

You open 1NT and your partner bids 2 ♦ (which is a transfer to hearts)

RHO doubles (probably showing Diamond suit)

• If you have a 3 card (or 4) suit in Hearts bid 2 ♥
• If you don’t have 3 card Heart suit but DO have Diamonds then …….redouble
• If you don’t have 3 card Heart suit and no good diamonds then………..pass

Again you have been allowed to convey this extra information to partner. Note partner with 6 card suit in Hearts can retransfer by bidding 3 ♦ or he can just sign off in 2♥.

Another auction

RHO opens 1 ♥. You hold:-

♠  AQJX

♥ X

♦ KJXX

♣ QJXX

You double for take out.

LHO passes and partner says 1♠ .

RHO bids 2♥.

So . 1♥…….x……….p………1♠

       2♥……?

What should you say?

The answer is .PASS!!!!

You have nothing more than your original bid. Partner should expect you to be 4/1/4/4 with 13 plus points. By passing you are telling him you have no extra.

Further action is up to him