My initial thoughts:
Problem A: 3
Fit with fit. No other bid guarantees the fourth club. I wish 4
would show four clubs and six spades, similar to open a minor, partner bids a major, 4 of the minor shows 6-4 big fit in the major. But it doesn't, plus it uses a lot of space that might be useful in exploring a slam.
Problem B: 2
The hint is right on points and spade stopper, but completely wrong on shape. I fear partner trying to insist on hearts, so I will underbid the hand but show my good suit. Maybe I will get another chance to show another part of my hand.
Problem C: 2
Two bullets, four diamonds, 9 HCPs and a stiff heart, this feels like a good diamond raise, so I will spurn the hint and make a nebulous cue-bid.
Problem D: Dbl I am underwhelmed by the hint, but I will take it for now. Partner forced to 3
, and since thst only included two bids, I guess with a minimum you could show a balanced min with 2NT or and unbalanced min with 3
. But the opponents have thrown both options out the window, so now I am uncertain what my bids will mean, as well as what partner's bid meant. I don't want to defend undoubled, but the support double I had hoped for, does not exist.
Problem E: 5
The choices seemed to be between 3NT and 5
. I am not embracing Hamman with a singleton ace.
Problem F: 3
Show my suit and values and hope partner's rebid will provide clarity.
Problem G: 1
Jock may have seen this hand oodles of times since the 1970's, but this is the first time I've heard him mention instant-super-Michaels. BWS and I do not have that tool, and I only need two cover cards from partner, so I will start with 1
and hope I hear a raise or 1
from partner.
Problem H:
A I will try to turn this into a forcing game by leading clubs every time I get the chance; it only sets up one trick, and may cause declarer to lose control. My second choice is dummy's second suit. I am not thrilled with my choices, but those are my active and passive choices.
