Q1- Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KQ764 ♥ 94 ♦ 6 ♣ AK983

As dealer, what call would you make?

A - Not long ago, many experts would open 1C, hoping to rebid 1S and then 2S. Today, they open 1S to shut the opponents out from the one level. Bid 1S.

Q2- North-south vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 9 7 5 ♥ 10 7 6 4 3 ♦ 8 ♣ K 10 7

A- We would double, for takeout, with a better hand. With this hand, bid 2H.

Q3- East-west vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KQ6 ♥ AK76 ♦ K874 ♣ Q8

What call would you make?

A- You have a maximum, but you need four trumps to bid past two spades. Bid 2S.

Q4- Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AJ7 ♥ A 10 9 7 ♦ J 10 7 6 3 ♣ Q

Right-hand opponent opens 1S. What call would you make?

A- Pass. Don’t even think about bidding that suit at the two level.

Q5- North-south vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q6 ♥ 5432 ♦ KQ5 ♣ AJ85

A- If you want partner to pass with the hand in Q4, and we do, you must balance with this hand. Double. 1NT, with shortness in spades, would be a poor choice.

Q6- East-west vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 10 7 3 ♥ KQ97 ♦ A73 ♣ A8

What call would you make?

A- Any bid other than 2H shows a maximum with four-card support. Bid 3H, or something else if partner will understand it.