Know when to stop by Frank Stewart

A: 5♣: Your partner suggests a strong, distributional hand. He would not run from notrump merely because his hand was shapely. Jump to five clubs. Since you have undertaken an 11-trick contract, partner may bid slam if he has a promising hand such as 3, A K 7 2, Q 7 6, A Q J 8 4.

Your result so far:

A: 4♥: This is a judgment call. Since you have near-balanced pattern and stoppers everywhere, to bid 3NT would be reasonable. Since the diamond stopper is tenuous, and partner's second bid promises six or more hearts, I would raise to four hearts. If he has a hand such as K 2, A Q J 8 3 2, Q 6, J 7 3, the heart game will be better.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: A better contract than two hearts may be available, but you can't afford to look for it. A bid of three of a minor would be forcing, a bid of 2NT would suggest more strength and a two-spade rebid might not improve matters. Pass. When the deal is a misfit, just stop bidding to avoid a disaster.

Your result so far:

A: Pass: This situation is uneasy, but bidding again with a minimum hand isn't likely to make you feel better. Your partner is supposed to know what he's doing. He should allow for you to have a weak club holding and won't take a preference with fewer than four clubs. Pass. Two spades is unlikely to be a better contract.

Your result so far:

A: 3♦: A minimum hand for partner such as A 9 4, A K 10 6 4 2, 7 6, 7 6 will provide a fine play for 12 tricks at hearts. But if he has wasted spade values opposite your singleton, you may need to stop at game. Bid three diamonds and support the hearts next to suggest a good hand with spade shortness. Let partner judge.

Your result so far: