How high up do you want to go? by Frank Stewart

A: 4♣: This situation is uneasy, especially since your jump to three clubs was aggressive. (Your hand was worth two and a half clubs.) You can't pass -- partner's three hearts is forcing -- or bid 3NT. Bid four clubs or three spades. Your singleton queen may serve as adequate support.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: Game is probable, especially at notrump. Bid 2NT, invitational, showing about 11 points with at least one trick in the opening bidder's suit. It pays to be aggressive in these situations because you will be able to play knowing where most of the missing high cards are.

Your result so far:

A: 6NT: This is an easy problem. Partner's bidding promises about 19 high-card points with balanced pattern. Since your pattern is also balanced, you can place the contract based on your combined count. Bid 6NT. Partner's hand may be A Q 3, A 4 2, Q 3 2, A Q J 6, and 12 tricks will be cold.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: Your partner has "reversed" and suggests substantial extra strength -- at least 17 points, perhaps more depending on partnership style. Bid three clubs, showing your support and expecting partner to bid again. In some partnerships, you would be obliged to rebid two spades to show the long suit.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: You have no attractive action. You have enough values to invite game but not to commit to game. A jump to three spades would invite, but I would be reluctant to jump in a ragged six-card suit. Bid 2NT. If partner next bids three diamonds, showing a minimum hand with five cards in each red suit, pass.

Your result so far: