More better bidding:

Q1: Sitting South, with North dealing and East-West vulnerable, you hold:

♠️ —

♥️ 6 5

♦️ 10 9 8 7 6 3

♣️ A J 9 6 2

North passes and East bids 1NT. What do you bid?

A: Assume your partner has eight high-card points. With your five, it sure looks as if East-West have a game bid in a major suit. Have you forgotten that you have favorable vulnerability? Bid 2NT showing at least five-five in the minors. Even if you go to the five level and get doubled, the sacrifice will probably cost you less than their vulnerable 4♥️ or 4♠️or maybe slam will earn East-West. What’s more, your interference bid could mess up their auction. (Thanks to Eric Stricoff for this one.)

Q2: Sitting South, with North dealing and no one vulnerable, you hold:

♠️ A Q 4

♥️ Q 5 2

♦️ K Q 10 9

♣️ J 4 3

North bids 3♦️and East passes. What do you bid?

A: 5♦. According to the Law of Total Tricks, bid to the same level of tricks in competition as your total of trumps. So, 7 + 4 = 11 tricks. Even though you have a good point count, your only likely stopper may be the ♠️A, so it’s a good defensive bid.

Q3: With North dealing and both sides vulnerable, you hold:

♠️ 10 9 8 7

♥️ J 6 4 2

♦️J 9 4 3

♣️ 10

North bids 1NT and East passes. What do you bid?

A: Clearly a pass, right? Not so fast. Your hand may be worthless in 1NT, but it could have some tricks in a suit contract. Bid a “garbage Stayman” 2♣️and pass whatever suit partner answers in.

Q4: Sitting South with West dealing and East-West vulnerable, you hold.

♠️ 9 7 6 4

♥️ A K Q 10 9

♦️ 6 3

♣️ 5 2

The bidding has proceeded as follows:

WestNorthEastSouth

1♣️ Pass 1♦️ ?

What do you bid?

A: 2♥. A weak two-bid with only five cards? Sure. This one is as strong as any six-bagger you’re likely to hold. You doubtless noticed the favorable vulnerability.