Less standard situations by Bobby Wolff

A: 2♣: This hand feels right for Crawling Stayman, to me. That is to say, bid Stayman and pass a response in a major, or correct two diamonds to two hearts, suggesting a major suit pattern broadly similar to this. Partner will typically pass, but can correct to two spades with 3-2 in the majors. If you don't play these methods, escape to hearts instead.

Your result so far:

A: 1NT: The practical call is to bid one no-trump now. With four diamonds in your hand, what's a stopper between friends? This call represents your values accurately since it shows 8-12 or so, an approximately balanced hand with not much in partner's suit, and mildly constructive values.

Your result so far:

A: 2♣: The knee-jerk reaction here is to transfer to spades and offer a choice of games. That is simple but not best, in my opinion. With such weak spades and these values in your short suits, do you really want partner to play a 5-3 major suit fit? I think not. Use Stayman and rebid three no-trump if no spade fit comes to light.

Your result so far:

A: 4♠: How much do your bits and pieces add up to? Your trump cards are surely useful, so even though at least one of your side-suit honors will likely be facing shortness, I would bite the bullet and bid game here, and it feels right to raise spades. If you had the heart jack instead of the four, you might take a shot at three no-trump.

Your result so far:

A: 5♠: Your partner's four-club call was a splinter, showing short clubs and a raise to at least four spades. Over your four-heart cue-bid, he indicated he had nothing more to show, but even in the context of having made one effort, three key honors make the hand too good to pass. A general try of five spades feels right now, though you are expressing great trust in the soundness of your partner's bidding.

Your result so far: