My initial thoughts. Sorry it took so long, but it felt like a struggle to get through the recap last month. I do not have strong feelings about my selections yet.
Problem A: 3
I know that partner has essentially a weak two in hearts. I do regret not making a jump shift on the previous round, aggressive as that might be. The choices are pass, because this may be the only way partner's hand will be worth anything, or pushing forward with diamonds, still looking for the elusive fit. It is matchpoints, so the pass is probably right, but my inclination is still to rebid the diamonds. I can also see the Hammondites bidding 3NT with the Kx in the fourth suit and 3
with singleton support; neither seems right to me.
Problem B: 4
I am giving serious thought to 3 NT because I am worried about a club overruff. However, partner has virtually assured me of at least four spades, I think there will be more tricks in spades than NT, and this is matchpoints, so I will bid the spade game.
Problem C: Pass The hand and the stopper are not good enough for 3NT in the direct seat. If I could hang out a sign saying four-card heart-suits need not apply, then I would double, but Kxx is a bit light to double knowing partner will bend over to bid hearts. Let's pass and hope there will be another opportunity coupled with some clarification.
Problem D: 2
With a void in spades, I want to clue partner in about the distribution so intelligent choices can be made in the bidding and defense. Double is in the back of my mind here, but I do not like doubling with a void and all of my strength in one suit.
Problem E: 1 NT The only bid that seems clear to me is 3
; it shows the sixth heart and the extra strength without going overboard. However, this hand has other strain possibilities. The Qx might be good for spades. I have a stop for NT, but 2 NT seems a bit much., and while 1 NT is only slightly heavy it may be the most flexible choice. Another possiblity is 2
, which may be too much, but if NT is right, it will help rightside the contract; it also keeps the bidding low and gives partner a chance to show a doubleton heart, a sixth spade, or something in diamonds. Over 1 NT, it will be easy for partner to pass.
Problem F: 3
I am at the top of a minimum and am forced to make a bid. Pass is my real choice because I don't feel right bidding a red suit (diamonds because I only have four, hearts because it should be a reverse without values or shape). Raising spades would be a good choice, if I had Hx or xxx, but xx feels wrong, as does NT with no club stop and the cue-bid on a minimum. That leaves me with the hint, god forbid!
Problem G: 2
I really expect partner to come back with 2
, so I am trying a tactical bid before trotting out a 3 NT. Meanwhile, maybe I will get a 2
rebid from partner.
Problem H:
A This will probably not score well, but I would like to cash my certain trick and shift to something neutral so that I can pitch behind the spade bidder. I am counting on an eventual spade trick, or that something will be placed well in a round suit before I have to worry about being squeezed. I am not hopeful of setting this, but perhaps Jock will be right that avoiding giving up an overtricks will suffice.
I do not like feeling like very little is settled among my choices this month, but do not be surprised if I do not have 4 or 5 changes before I submit.