A very happy New Year! by Bobby Wolff

A: 3♥: Your partner has shown real extras, typically with two or three clubs and at most half a stopper in clubs (or he might have bid no-trump himself). You have too much to sign off in three diamonds but neither your hearts nor spades are really good enough to introduce. I think I prefer a three-heart call to bidding three no-trump, but it is close.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: Without the double, you would have bid three clubs, since a call of two no-trump would suggest more than this in diamonds. Now, however, you can pass, expecting partner to tell you why he forced to game. If he redoubles, you will pass, of course. Even a 3-3 diamond fit may take a lot of tricks! A redouble by you might suggest this hand with king-third of diamonds and a singleton heart.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: Your partner is suggesting a long heart suit (but maybe only five cards). Opinions differ as to whether this should be forcing, but your heart support and working cards in the minors argue for a raise to game, regardless of partner's intentions. However, fans of transfers might consider employing them here, too!

Your result so far:

A: Double: It is hard to know what constitutes a life mission, but as far as I am concerned, if I can prevent players from overcalling two diamonds with these cards, I'll have accomplished something. Doubling one heart is fine, or bidding one diamond over one club on a different day. But two-level overcalls promise good suits and normally six cards.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: To raise or not to raise? Your trump support is excellent, but your values are soft, and a singleton in partner's suit is not really an asset. You could certainly persuade me to raise if the spade king were the ace. As it is, though, the fact that partner didn't bid three diamonds would tilt me to passing now.

Your result so far: