LEARNING CENTER

Pass. Yes, this is an 8-count, but it has a lot of queens and jacks and no long suit. Not only that, but we are missing the 10s and 9s that can make our long suits better. I like our chances of making 1NT. I won't be happy in 2NT, that's definite. 3NT might make, but it would require a lot of luck. 

Double. Yes, you didn't want to invite game on the last problem, but here you have responsive values even on the 2-level. Your values are also all working here as partner's diamonds match up with yours well and you have no wasted values in hearts. 

Double. Yes, you only have 8 points but you have the right shape for a balancing double here. Bidding 2 might work, but why risk it? 

4. You don't have much still, but with four-card trump support and anything you are supposed to raise. Partner's jump after a preempt isn't weak, it shows a strong hand (roughly 17-20 total points) with a good suit. This is a nice tool to have since often doubling allows the opponents to raise to a higher level before you've shown your suit. 

Pass. No, partner's double is not a penalty double, but you have a hand that doesn't want to bid 4 and is likely to help against 3. 3NT is unlikely to make without a lot extra in partner's hand, and if it does make, then 3 is probably going down 3 or 4. 

Pass. You've done enough with your 1NT call. Partner's jump in his own suit is not forcing. You have nothing "extra" to accept an invitation having shown 6-10 points and a stopper in spades. We hope you've enjoyed this quiz on hand evaluation.  Sometimes a hand like this will be game-going based on the auction, but often it's a hand-type that asks for caution. Make sure you know whether to step on the gas or pump the brakes.