Ex. 1             Bidding : 1NT - Pass
Opener ♠ - A K ♥ - K 9 8 ♦ - K 7 3 ♣ - A 10 7 5 2		Responder ♠ - 9 5 2 ♥ - A 7 5 3 ♦ - Q 9 5 ♣ - 8 4 3
Opener promises 16-18 HCP. The Responder has only 6 HCP, and realises that their total is only 22-24 HCP. This is not enough for a Game contract (requiring 26 points).   Responder therefore passes.
Ex. 2             Bidding : 1NT - 3NT - Pass
Opener ♠ - A 8 4 ♥ - A 7 5 2 ♦ - A 10 7 ♣ - K Q 4		Responder ♠ - K 6 ♥ - K 6 3 ♦ - 8 6 3 ♣ - A 7 6 3 2
Responder, with 11 points (10 HCP + 1 LP) in his own hand, realises the partnership's total (with at least 11 + 16 = 27 HCP) is enough for a Game contract.    Responder therefore bids 3NT. Opener should then pass.
Ex. 3             Bidding : 1NT - 2NT - 3NT - Pass
Opener ♠ - A J 7 ♥ - A 9 6 2 ♦ - K Q 8 3 ♣ - A 6		Responder ♠ - 6 2 ♥ - K Q 4 ♦ - J 7 4 2 ♣ - K 8 4 3
Responder has 9 HCP. This is not enough for a Game contract if Opener is "minimum" (16 HCP), but would be enough if Partner holds a "maximum" 1NT hand (17-18 HCP). In such case Responder makes an invitation bid : 2NT. Opener will then pass with only 16 HCP but bid Game (3NT) with 17 or 18 HCP.
Ex. 4             Bidding : 1NT - 6NT - Pass
Opener ♠ - A K 5 ♥ - K Q J 7 ♦ - Q 4 ♣ - Q 8 6 4		Responder ♠ - Q 4 ♥ - 10 8 4 2 ♦ - A K J ♣ - A K 3 2
Responder holds 17 HCP. This means that the combined total of the partnership is between 33½ (16+17½) and 35½ HCP (18+17½). This is enough for a Small Slam (winning 12 tricks and requiring 33 HCP), but not enough of a Grand Slam (for which 37 HCP are needed).     Responder therefore bids confidently 6NT.
© 2013 Michael Furstner