At what level would you like to play? by Frank Stewart

A: Double: You wouldn't come in over an opening bid at your right (I wouldn't, at least), but actions in the "balancing" seat may be shaded. Your partner has some values, else the opponents would still be bidding, and you must not sell out cheaply. Double. Partner must realize that you may have acted with lightish values.

Your result so far:

A: 4NT: Your partner has four-card spade support and a maximum single raise or a fair raise with help in hearts. Slam chances are bright enough to bid 4NT, Blackwood. Unless partner has no aces, bid six spades. He may hold K 9 8 7, K 4, 8 7 6, A K 6 5 or A J 7 4, 4 3, J 6 5, A K 6 5.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your partner's two spades is a try for game (at least). He asks you to look at your hand again and decide a close case based on whether you have help for his second suit. Since you have two aces, four trumps and a possible third-round ruffing trick in spades, jump to four hearts. Partner may hold Q 7 6 4, A K 9 8 3, K 3, K 3.


Your result so far:

A: 3♦: To bid four hearts would be lazy. If partner has a well-fitting minimum, you may have a slam. (Give him a hand with no wasted black-suit honors such as A, A Q 10 6 5 3, K 5 2, 7 6 5 and he may take 13 tricks.) Bid three diamonds, planning to bid four hearts next to show slam interest and club shortness. Consult your partner.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: To pass would be timid; game remains possible. A rebid of two hearts would show longer hearts, a bid of 1NT with no club strength is unattractive, and a raise to two spades would suggest four-card support (though I would raise with a hand such as K Q 8, 10 8 7 3 2, A 6 3, 6 2). Bid two diamonds.


Your result so far: