What has partner promised so far? by Bobby Wolff

A: 4♠: In unfamiliar partnerships, there is often a question of what is forcing here. A simple rule (if not playing the Wolff signoff) is to play that the only way to stay out of game is to pass two no-trump. So the three-spade call is forcing; if you play New Minor or the like, it would show six. With a balanced minimum, despite your great trumps, I would simply raise to four spades, rather than cue-bid four diamonds.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: A raise to two spades cannot be criticized. Still, if the simple raise to two might be this hand or the same hand with a small heart instead of the king, it can be very hard to compete constructively or reach game. One way to distinguish between raises here is to use the direct raise as weaker, and subvert a call of two clubs to show a constructive raise to two spades -- say 7-9 points. With more, redouble.

Your result so far:

A: 1♥: Despite the fact that you have longer diamonds than hearts, I would respond in hearts initially. My plan would be to compete in diamonds if the opponents bid on in a black suit. If you respond in diamonds, you may find yourself obligated to bid hearts on your next turn. Incidentally, by bidding a major before a minor, you suggest this sort of canape shape.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: A negative double promises four spades here (and, unlike when you double one spade, you rarely cheat here with three). So what are the options? A stopperless one no-trump response does not appeal, which leaves a club raise. With a choice between two hearts as a limit raise or better, or a two-club call, I go high -- albeit with misgivings.

Your result so far:

A: 6♣: Sometimes it is best to bid what is in front of you. Your partner has suggested five good clubs (or maybe even a poor six-card suit) in a balanced 12-14 hand. If you were only allowed to make one bid, wouldn't you jump to six clubs? You might make a grand slam, or find the small slam was on a finesse, but here you should just settle for simplicity and bid the small slam.

Your result so far: