Close Cases, by Frank Stewart

A: 2♦: It's a close call. First you must judge whether to force to game. If you want to settle for an invitation, bid three hearts or 2NT. If you judge to force, you can't jump to four hearts, which would promise better heart support. Bid two diamonds, the "fourth suit," showing only a desire to hear partner bid again.


Your result so far:

A: 4♥: This case is close. A negative double is possible (if a part of your methods) but might only delay the problem. You might stretch to compete with a bid of three hearts if your queen of clubs were a low club. Take a chance and jump to four hearts. This is not a huge overbid; your king of spades will probably be worth a trick.

Your result so far:

A: 2♠: Slam is possible, perhaps certain. To flash a slam signal and get partner's cooperation, jump-shift to two spades. At your next turn you'll bid 3NT, saying that your slam interest was based on a strong, balanced hand. If partner has any extra values -- K 7, Q J 7 6 5, A 3 2, K J 2 -- he'll go on. If he opened on K 7, J 7 6 5 4, A Q 3, K 3 2, he'll stop.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: A jump to three hearts would be highly encouraging but not forcing. This hand is strong enough to commit to game. Since the heart suit is self-sufficient, jump to four hearts. You will have a chance for 11 tricks even if your partner has a minimum response such as A Q 4 3, 3 2, 8 7 5, 9 6 5 3.

Your result so far:

A: 4♠: This problem is stressful; opposing preempts will bring that about. Bid four spades. You might miss a slam if partner passes despite having ideal values, but your first duty is to score game. Your bidding suggests a powerful hand, so he may bid again.

Your result so far: