All Vul S Dealer	♠ K J 7 4 ♥ K 7 2 ♦ K 5 4 3 ♣ J 7
♠ 10 9 8 6 ♥ J 10 ♦ J 10 8 7 ♣ K 10 2		♠ 2 ♥ A Q 9 8 6 3 ♦ A Q 6 2 ♣ 6 3
	♠ A Q 5 3 ♥ 5 4 ♦ 9 ♣ A Q 9 8 5 4

Hi Andy,

As South, I jumped to 3♠ after partner’s 1♠ response with a 5-loser hand and my 6-4 shape. Didn’t end well, -2. Putting aside the baddish trump split and offside honours, was my jump to 3♠ warranted? Thanks as always.

Regards,
Henry

Hi Henry,

I think the auction is all entirely reasonable, and it was just unlucky that everything was on the wrong side! Some might say South is worth only a 2♠ raise (I think it’s more like a 3.5 spade raise!), but even if South had bid 2♠, North will be inviting game and South will no doubt accept it – so all routes should lead to the unlucky 4♠.

Kind regards
Andy