After two passes you find yourself looking at the following hand:

ª A K 10 8 5 3
© A 6 4
¨ -
§ 8 6 4 2

Naturally you open 1ª. From there on the bidding seems to acquire a life of its own.

It's a crowded house. Although you signed off in game, the other players still have plenty to say. When the tray comes back to you, the bidding is up to the six level. Would you defend?

You have 11 HCP and partner is a passed hand. Opponents keep pushing on as does partner. Have you made up your mind? Here's the entire hand.

Board 12. Dealer West. NS Game ª Q J 9 4 © K Q 7 2 ¨ 9 8 6 2 § 5 ª 7 6 2 ª - © 10 5 © J 9 8 3 ¨ A K Q 10 4 ¨ J 7 5 3 § K 10 7 § A Q J 9 3 ª A K 10 8 5 3 © A 6 4 ¨ - § 8 6 4 2

You bid on aiming for the moon and guess what? You manage to grasp it by your fingertips. Partner gives you (God bless his soul) a 'purrrfect' dummy. Funny hand isn't it? With 11 opposite 8 you are cold for the little slam. (A trump lead stops you from ruffing three clubs in dummy but East will eventually be squeezed in hearts and clubs.

If you defend 6¨ and partner leads a spade….Oops! Only a heart lead defeats your opponents' six-banger.