LEARNING CENTER

1. Not strong enough for 1NT and bidding a 4-card suit is fine. Even if the K were a low card, this would be your call.

2. You are too strong to bid only 1 (0-8 and not forcing), but not strong enough to do more than this.

3. You can't "pass in fear." Unless you are playing the Lebensohl convention (where 3 would show decent values), this is your only choice. 2NT shows at least 7-8 points and spades stopped.

3NT. You have their suit well-stopped and enough to try for +600 in your vulnerable game. Even if double were penalty (it shouldn't be), you'd rather be in game at this vulnerability.

2. You have a strong hand, but are not sure where your side belongs. Don't guess a 4-card suit (it might be a 4-3 fit when a 4-4 fit is available). This bid is forcing and says nothing about diamonds. The most common agreement is that this bid is not GF, but is forcing until either partner bids notrump or raises a suit.

4. You only have 10 high card points, but don't obsess about point count. You have a six-card spade suit and partner has support so take your chances on game. 

Pass. You have great defensive values and you aren't so sure what will happen in 3NT. The vulnerability is the big player here. If you are going to make 3NT, you'll need some help from partner. If partner has that help, it's hard to imagine not defeating this contract at least two tricks since you have 4 likely defensive tricks in your hand.