Which contract do you want to play? by Bobby Wolff

A: Double: You have a straightforward choice: Do you double, in the hope that partner has a major or a penalty double, but leaving you an awkward problem if someone bids clubs or perhaps raises diamonds? Or do you bid one heart, which might lose spades and might miss out on defending here? Either action is acceptable, but double covers more bases, I believe.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: It isn't clear where you are going to end up, but you have considerable extra values, so start by cue-bidding two diamonds to show a good hand. If your partner supports to two hearts, I think it is right to advance with two spades. You do not have enough to force to game yet, but you must invite one strongly.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Your partner has suggested a limit raise in clubs based on shape, not high cards. With no tricks and no aces, pass three clubs and hope you can make it. You may have a maximum in high cards, but in all other respects, this hand is deficient in prospects for game.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠: This may sound like a basic problem, but just to confirm the basics: If you play Stayman over an opening bid of two no-trump, you should also play Stayman after an overcall of two no-trump. So three clubs asks whether you have four spades. Accordingly, respond three spades, and let partner take it from there.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: When you bid two clubs, the Michaels Cue-bid to show both majors, you were expecting to play a major, of course. After the double, though, your partner's two-diamond call suggests that diamonds might be the best strain, and who are you to argue? You have no extra shape and no reason to mistrust your partner -- yet. So pass two diamonds.

Your result so far: