Get your point count and distribution across by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♦: Standard bidding has changed here over the last 20 years. After opener's reverse, responder must be able both to raise his partner's suits and also to admit to a minimum response. Methods detailed at bit.ly/1MZnFwb allow you to bid three diamonds and set up a force for at least one round, since you'd limit your hand with two no-trump with a really weak hand.

Your result so far:

A: 3♥: Go to the back of the class if you decided to pass on the assumption that partner was trying to defend two diamonds doubled. He has shown three hearts and real extra values, so the clearest way to get your modest extras in shape and high cards across is to bid three hearts. A three-club call would perhaps suggest your clubs and hearts were switched.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: It looks very tempting to drive to three no-trump immediately, which is clearly the value call on the hand. But your partner could have many diamond holdings where it would be better for him to declare the hand. I'd be tempted to cue-bid two diamonds initially and try to maneuver him into doing so.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: The basic nature of your hand is limited and balanced, with a minimum HCP count for an opener. The best way to show this at once is to rebid two no-trump. I would not worry about making this rebid with a doubleton queen in an unbid suit; it is more likely that you'll have to right-side no-trump from your hand than that clubs will be fatally unguarded.

Your result so far:

A: 1♠: You may have only a 10-count, but with your honors packed into your two best suits, and an easy rebid, this is a sound minimum opener. The intermediates are also relevant to this valuation -- this hand has far more playing strength than a balanced 12-count.

Your result so far: