Initial thoughts:
A. 3
I go with the hint. 3NT gives up on the slam too easily. 2
would be my bid with regular partners, similar to Dick.
B. 3
I don't like 3 NT with Ax in clubs - let partner bid the NT if possible. Also starts control bidding if partner is inclined to cooperate.
C. 2
I thought about 2
, but the match points made me do it.
D. 1 NT I wanted to bid 1
to maximize chance of finding major fit, but not an option. AKQ9 looks like five, but not enough small cards for ruffing if a Moysian. J109xx has reversing as the problem with only 15. 4-5-2-2 can be an ugly NT, but I think the least lie.
E. 2 NT With a stiff in partner's suit and 10 HCPs, I feel like I can only show my stop or suggest only four hearts. I think the NT game is more likely. I certainly do not have the values for 3
.
F. 2
With 9 HCPs and RHO showing spades, I'm not inclined to show J10xx. 2
shows my suit and my values, so I am taking the hint.
G. 4
Goldilocks time! Despite the hint,3
seems too low; too easy for the opponents to enter safely. On the other hand, 5! C felt too risky and high. I don't think they can find the right game at the four-level easily, and they have few enough trump to feel confident about doubling, so I think this should be just right.
H.
8 This is the blind lead from hell. LHO could have the minors or could a shapeless 4 by 3s. No telling from this auction. I chose to go with slightly deceptive, yet completely honest 4th best lead. Slightly deceptive because the 8 doesn't look low. To me, this is the least of the evils and could hit paydirt. It may not be the safest lead, but tell me, what is?
No changes for final submission.