Initial guesses:
PROBLEM A: 2
. Pedestrian, yes. I hate the suit quality. This seems like the time for a “what would a beginner do?” choice. Double is certainly an option, as well as a slightly risky 1NT (Qx is a sorta-stopper, yes?). Double, though, could land us in a funny “fit” at the 2-level. Sometimes I overthink these problems.
PROBLEM B: 2NT. Opposite a passed partner this puts max pressure on the opponents, but the vulnerability is a concern. The opps almost certainly have a
fit. This jams them, if only a bit. I do not like 1
, which may draw a
lead from partner (I doubt 1
will garner may votes). Since game is unlikely, it’s probably best to “show what I have,” which is 2
-- a “bid where you live” call. I think 2
will be the plurality choice of the “solvers.” I'm highly skeptical of my choice here.
PROBLEM C: 3
. At Matchpoints, I really want to keep the possibility of 3NT alive, but that banks on running
. Also, since partner has ostensibly denied having three
, a subsequent 3
rebid by partner should show two, and it would presumably promise Qx or better. So a
game is not yet ruled out. My close second choice was a forcing 4
.
PROBLEM D: 2
. My conservative nature tells me that 2
is too rich with such a threadbare suit as well as the dubious value of my
honors. But if I don’t mention them now, I’ll never convince partner I have five. I agonized over my second choice—double—still showing the spades but hiding the length.
PROBLEM E: Pass. This is bold. Alternatively, 2NT then 3NT.
PROBLEM F: 2
. Treating this as a game-force is, I think, correct. I choose to bid my longer suit first, but 2
may be right.
PROBLEM G: 6
. A general try for grand. At face value it surely can’t elicit a first-round control from partner—we have all the aces! 5NT was my alternative, which in this auction should be Josephine. It still may be best, but it is very unilateral, asking only about partner’s
honors. I think it’s a trap to lure us into making the cool “because I know what it means” choice. 😊 Also, partner’s 5
may not be what we hope it to be, the opp’s 5
preempt put partner under a lot of pressure. Preempts work.
PROBLEM H: 9. Not sexy. Partner bid ‘em. I supported. Show him I don’t have an honor. My second choice is the
King.
Slow to review this month. Must pull the trigger in the next few hours. I'll probably go with what I have above, unless I get a sudden channeling of genius, which is highly unlikely.