Here are my initial thoughts:
Problem A: 3
I don't know where Jock gets off thinking there are only two options, I can see two cue-bids available for the aggressive, in addition to the two he identified. Would I choose one of the cue-bids? Probably not. Are they unreasonable? No. You only need nine HCPs from partner to have a reasonable shot at the heart game (less with the unlikely singleton or void in diamonds). Nonetheless, I find solice in the LAW. Pass is too weak and the cue-bid too strong, while 3
is just right.
Problem B: 3
The LAW guides me again. Let's get to our proper level as quickly as possible. This may result in the opponents continuing to imprudently bidding spades, but it will also make it more difficult for the opponents to find an alternative strain.
Problem C: 4
I typically like to blast to the level I want to be at immediately. I may come to regret not bidding to the implied level of the LAW, but the 5-level is frequently daunting. I will gamble that game will suffice.
Problem D: Pass. Partner's bidding typically shows a weak hand with long hearts and no fit for my diamonds. Time to quit trying for better.
Problem E: 2
The semi-forcing 1 NT is my bugaboo with this hand. Although I am not distraught to play in NT with this hand, I'd much rather be in the 8-card heart fit and leave partner's hand hidden. I raise; support with support.
Problem F: 1 NT I am torn between 1 NT, raise partner and pass. I am minimum opposite a passed hand, but I also have a maximum, full-values for my minimum. I do not want to encourage the opponents to enter the fray with the pass, and I don't want to encourage partner too much with a raise (particularly if he only has four), so I split the difference with the very descriptive 1 NT.
Problem G: c4 (open 1
, then reverse into 2
) I see no reason to distort my shape. I wish I had some better spot-cards, but this hand has primes, so I am willing to reverse on this 16.
Problem H: ? Pulling a Jock here - Still trying to work this one out. A spade may pickle partner's holding and thereby the entire suit. A heart doesn't feel like it will help, being the suit of a hand that doubled and bid, though declarer doesn't seem to have a fit. Diamonds are my best holding, but they may not be well placed for a lead with the NT bidder on my right; I probably should wait on the suit. And declarer should definitely have some clubs, and despite my opening bid, I do not. I'm beginning to think that Hideous Hog's lead advice to Rueful Rabbit may be best - 7th from either the right or left. I hate to say this, but my strongest inclination right now is to lead the
Q, like last month, hoping to hit Jxxxx with partner.