First stab . . .
PROBLEM A: 3
. Beginners will choose 3
. Today, I'm a beginner. The hand is very flat. 2NT with a possible overtrick scores better at MP and will be a popular, safe, choice. In no trump my round-suit honors (especially that
K) are protected. But . . . the
suit is also potentially a big problem. If they lead it, I need to run eight tricks off the top. I think the obvious MP choice of 2NT needs closer examination. I really may flip a coin here. It's close.
PROBLEM B: 2. I’m not sure what continuing with a diamond accomplishes, other than, I suppose, allowing partner to indicate suit preference. Doing so, though will set up a future discard for declarer. The
2 seems safe since partner is almost a lock to have club values. But a low trump, cutting down on possible ruffs, is also attractive. I’ll need to think on this some more.
PROBLEM C: 1NT. A tussle between the preemptive value of the descriptive 3
and the allure of the higher scoring No Trump. I have two aces, which are worth a bit extra. And although the system indicates that 1NT = 6-10, I prefer to respond 1NT with the upper end of that range, reserving the preempt for very poor hands.
PROBLEM D: Double. The
suit is not robust enough to introduce at the 3-level. The fact that I have only two
(no fit there) is also a consideration, steering me away from the
suit. A double, certainly showing
(possibly only four), will convey my values.
PROBLEM E: Double. My first impulse was a sketchy 2NT, but the
stop is tenuous. Pass does not feel right with these values. So a double, while often considered anathema with this shape, seems the most flexible choice.
PROBLEM F: Double. Again, flexible. Yes it shows four
, so sue me.
PROBLEM G: Pass. Partner’s double at the three-level should be a game-force. If played in
, they will break poorly. And while four
is implied, it is not 100% guaranteed. 3NT with a double stop looks attractive and was my initial thought.
PROBLEM H: 6. Partner has very little. Not leading a
, as I do not wish to give away a freebie. I see at most a seven-card
fit for the opps. So partner has a minimum of four. This is timid, but gives nothing away.
I'm back-and-forth on at least six of them, so I'll need to have a "re-look" later in the week.