[moysian]

1. 2d -

LHO's action will clarify things. If he passes and pard bids 2h, I can bid 2s asking for NT help in spades. If partner lacks help, he'll probably prefer diamonds or try clubs! If he rebids 3h, I'll give up, and hope for the best.

If LHO raises spades and it passes back to me, I'll try 3c.

2. I'm torn between x and 4c, but finally agree on x.

x works when partner has spades, and it allows him to try 3n if he has hearts. Even if partner bids 4d (denying spades), you can probably improve things by bidding 5c. Then there are those hands where partner has some values (without spades), and opts to sit for the double, enabling your side to collect a small penalty. Finally, it is possible that LHO will offer up a H raise. Now hope that partner doesnt try 5d.....

3. 2h

If I am to persuade partner to accept H holding only 2 or 3 pieces, I need to bid them directly. If I had both red suits, I'd gladly double. It's nice that I hold 2s, since it gives P a safe retreat.


4. PASS

Why jump into the auction when LHO's (and possibly RHO's) next bid is apt to clarify all? If LHO's next bid is 1N (p-p, or 2c-p-p), you can check in with a double - asking for partner's red suit. If LHO reverses into a red suit or bids 2n, you'll be glad you stayed out. (Don't forget to double for a spade lead if LHO declares 3n.)


5. 6s

Opponents bid this hand to make (vul vs. not), and if one holds a spade void, they're apt to try 7c. Hopefully, partner will sniff this out and find the heart lead (a lightner double may help steer P from spades, but he will still be guessing which red suit to lead).