How is your low-level competitive bidding? by Bobby Wolff

A: 1♦: Normally, one responds in a major when partner opens a minor, but with a hand this weak, the last thing you want to do is to encourage your partner to soar to the stratosphere. So respond one diamond to try to slow partner down; he should be less likely to jump in support of a minor than a major. This same argument might work no matter what the level of the opening club bid.

Your result so far:

A: 2♠: After your initial pass, your partner will assume that you have fewer than 6 high-card points. But do you have enough to compete to two spades now? I say yes, but I'd understand anyone who would pass, feeling that the singleton club, combined with holding only four trumps, argues for defending, not declaring.

Your result so far:

A: 2♦: You seem to have just enough to balance with two diamonds. Since you did not act directly at your first turn, there has to be a limit to your suit and high cards. You could also make a case for a call of two spades, but I'd prefer a slightly better doubleton. Also, the suggested sequence might help partner judge what to lead and whether to compete further.

Your result so far:

A: 3♠: Your partner's call suggests extras in high cards or playing strength, and you certainly have something in hand for your first call. It seems logical to advance with a bid of three spades. You might be able to make game in diamonds, spades or no-trump; let partner know where you live.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: Some people play Equal Level Conversion, meaning that correcting two clubs to two diamonds here does not show any extra values. I'm not a fan of that approach, so I can bid two no-trump without feeling I'm stepping too far out of line. My diamond builders are working overtime, so I have enough to invite game, even though I still don't have a great hand.

Your result so far: