Should you go for game? by Bobby Wolff

A: 2♠: Traditionally, your two-diamond cue-bid is forcing to suit agreement. This means that (for example) if you raised two hearts to three hearts here, it would be non-forcing. If, however, you bid two spades, that is natural and forcing for one round. Your partner could make a non-forcing call of two no-trump or three spades, but you will drive to game one way or another.

Your result so far:

A: 3♣: Should you simply drive to three no-trump here and rely on finding a club stopper opposite? The wiser call of three clubs will ask your partner to bid three no-trump if he can, since the opponents have announced clubs as the danger suit. Incidentally, it makes sense here to play that the no-trump opener should pass the double without a club stopper, then describe his hand if his partner redoubles.

Your result so far:

A: 4♠: While it is perfectly possible that nine tricks are the limit of the hand in spades, you certainly have enough to move on to game. The question is which game to attempt. I think four spades will play better facing any hand that has a singleton -- be it in hearts, diamonds or clubs. So I would bid four spades, not three no-trump.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: The question is whether to pass and leave well enough alone, or raise to three clubs. I think passing is right since you are not especially worried about the opponents competing, plus your soft honors in spades and diamonds are not ideal for play in clubs. I'd consider raising if partner had responded two diamonds, not two clubs -- or if the spade queen were the ace.

Your result so far:

A: 2♠: Your hand is on the cusp of inviting game, but with all your values in the suits where partner is short, the more discreet action is simply to bid two spades rather than to invite game with a call of two no-trump. You might tip me the other way if you had the spade 10 in addition to your other values.

Your result so far: