I usually try to be among the first with initial thoughts, but was caught up too much at work this month. Below are thoughts that are subject to change, but I certainly will have less time to second guess myself.
Problem A: 2
Since partner bid 2
, showing an invitational plus sort of hand, I think I should allow partner to tell me more. Anything else may get partner to distort their hand, and I want to collect more information before I decide where we are headed.
Problem B: may I have an undo please, we are playing weak NT, and that is what I want to open - it is auctions like this that make me prefer playing weak NT systems
Problem C: Dbl Partner was willing to defend 1
X, so now they are one level higher still seeking to find a home. I'm not sure where we belong, but I suspect it is defending something doubled. Pass is non-forcing, and my hand is too good for that when partner was willing to defend at the one-level.
Problem D: 4
I could try hearts on the Moysian, but I think it is safer to play in diamonds. But boy is that Moysian tempting - the tap is coming in the right hand and AJxx is reasonable to control the suit from my side.
Problem E: 3
Show strength, show fit (partner should have real clubs with 9 between RHO and myself), imply partial spade stop for 3NT conversion.
Problem F: Dbl I am not as certain as Joe about unanimity. I can see someone choosing to bid 3NT or 6
with this hand, but by-and-large this will be a double to start.
Problem G: 3
Making a cooperating cue-bid.
Problem H:
A I want to lead partner's hearts, but which one will be right? Lead a top diamond to get a peak at dummy first sounds right to me.
SOLUTIONS FOR:
James Creech
FREDERICKSBURG 22407
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 2 Diamonds
PROBLEM B: 1 Notrump
PROBLEM C: Double
PROBLEM D: 4 Diamonds
PROBLEM E: 3 Spades
PROBLEM F: Double
PROBLEM G: 3 Spades
PROBLEM H: Diamond Ace