Where do you think you belong? by Frank Stewart

A: 4♠: Partner is still interested in game. If he were not, he would have stopped at two spades. He wouldn't bid a third time just to tell you he has extra length in clubs. Since you have a maximum 1NT response with three useful honors, you must bid boldly. Jump to four spades.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: In the style of most players, partner's three diamonds shows a singleton diamond, so your diamond honors are "wasted" for slam. Make no encouraging move; bid four hearts to warn partner against trying for slam.


Your result so far:

A: 2♠: You have enough values to commit to game -- or at least to invite game strongly. A jump to three diamonds, which most players would treat as invitational, would be a slight underbid. Bid two spades, forcing. If your partner next bids 2NT, bid 3NT. If he rebids three clubs, try three diamonds.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: This is a serious problem for "Standard" bidders. Your partner's minimum change of suit covers a wide range of hands: Partner may have 18 points or only 12. Your correct action is to pass. You must hope he doesn't have enough extra values for game. A bid of 2NT would suggest slightly more strength.


Your result so far:

A: 2♥: In theory, you have too many points for a direct single raise and should temporize (in "Standard" methods) with a response of two diamonds. In practice, your hand is worth less than its point count suggests. Your distribution is flat, your hearts are weak and your isolated queens are overvalued. I'd settle for a raise to two hearts.


Your result so far: