Do you want to play game with your hand? by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♠: When you have a weak hand and four spades, you want to boost the auction to the three-level as quickly as possible, so bid three spades right now. Yes, you don't expect the opponents to bid four hearts, but you will certainly not object if they do -- and they might have a minor-suit fit that you have just made it far more dangerous for them to find.

Your result so far:

A: 5♦: Is your hand worth a slam try? I say it is, and in order to make that try, you have two options. The first is to bid four hearts, an artificial call (it cannot be natural since you did not transfer into hearts) setting spades and showing slam interest. The second route is to jump to five diamonds, showing short diamonds and spade fit. I prefer the latter.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your partner has set up a game force, then showed a really good hand with spades. Your hand is far too good just to raise to four spades; a simple action is to jump to five spades, showing doubleton support and extras. Another option is to bid four hearts, a cue-bid in support of spades. You would certainly be prepared to give up in four spades, if partner expresses no interest on his next turn.

Your result so far:

A: 3♦: The right minimum opener for your partner gives you excellent play for slam -- if partner has the missing honors in the red suits, for example. That means you should not jump to game; instead, start by bidding a forcing three diamonds. If partner signs off in three hearts, give up on slam, but if he shows signs of life, I might risk the five-level to explore for slam.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: Balance with one no-trump, a call for which the range is 11-14 (give or take a point). With more, you'd start by doubling then bidding one no-trump. The logic is that you must reopen with balanced minimums, or the opponents will steal you blind. Hence the range for balancing must be less than a full, strong no-trump.

Your result so far: