Get your hand across by Frank Stewart

A: Pass: Your game-invitational bid of 2NT was an uncomfortable choice, but no other action was attractive. Your partner's third bid suggests a minimum hand with no liking for either game or notrump. Pass. He may hold a hand such as A J 7 5 3 2, A 4, Q 9 3, J 2.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠: Partner's double is for takeout. He has either support for the unbid suits with at least opening values (I would have a bit more) or a strong hand with a suit he intends to show. Jump to three spades to invite game. You might respond two spades with no values at all.

Your result so far:

A: 2♥: If you play negative doubles, as most experienced pairs do, you must reopen with a double on many hands -- even minimum hands -- in case partner is itching to pass for penalty. So you must bid again here to show your extra strength. Try two hearts.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: Expert opinion would vary. To double for takeout would be reasonable, but if partner responded in a major suit, the hand would be borderline to continue with a bid of two clubs. Overcall two clubs, getting the five-card suit mentioned and preempting the opponents. If the next player bids two diamonds and two passes follow, reopen with a double.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: If your opponent had passed, you would bid one heart to seek a fit in the major suit. But the double suggests length and strength in hearts, after which experts would disagree on the best action. Some would "ignore the double" and bid one heart anyway; some would pass. My preference would be for a descriptive bid of 1NT.

Your result so far: