The finer points of Jacoby two no-trump

Last week, I wrote about the Jacoby Forcing Major-Suit Raise, responding two no-trump after partner opens one heart or one spade and the next player passes. I said that you could use simple rebids instead of textbook Jacoby. Not surprisingly, some emails came in asking for a description of Oswald Jacoby's methods.

The opener's top priority with his rebid is to jump to four of a five-card side suit that contains at least two of the top three honors - as in today's deal. Then responder will know if it is a double-fit deal and probably can count the partnership's winners.

Here, North, over four hearts, with two fast diamond losers, control-bids five clubs, learns that his partner has a first-round diamond control, and jumps to seven spades.