100% clear-cut answers by Bobby Wolff

A: Pass: Normally, a 5-4 hand should seriously consider reverting to the major, but here, the fact that you are short in partner's suit and your major is weak argues for passing. For the record, if your majors were switched, you might rebid your suit, more confident that your partner will not have a singleton in that suit.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: It seems logical to bid one no-trump now rather than raising diamonds, since you can also support diamonds later in a competitive auction; whereas if you raise diamonds now, you may have an awkward decision at your next turn. Also, your partner may misjudge how much defense you have, should you raise directly.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: All answers have drawbacks here. Raising hearts may get you to an awkward 4-3 fit. Rebidding one spade may make it harder to find hearts (since a heart rebid at your third turn would now show real extras). Finally, rebidding no-trump shows the hand type but may miss the best fit facing a weak hand. I prefer the last option, though, since for me a one-spade call would guarantee real clubs.


Your result so far:

A: Pass: A case could be made for responding one spade, just as you would if your right-hand opponent had passed. But here, after the double, I'm reluctant to bid a weak four-card suit when I'm close to sub-minimum for the action. It seems wiser to pass, planning to double my left-hand opponent's likely one-heart response, and otherwise to stay silent.

Your result so far:

A: 2NT: Clearly your next call will be in no-trump. To bid three clubs would show clubs and hearts and be game-forcing, but you are an ace short of that action. This hand looks like an invitation, not a game force. Yes, you have great club spots, but let partner decide whether he has a minimum or maximum.

Your result so far: