The choices are:  a)1,  b)1, c) 1, d) 2NT. Which would you choose?

Playing Acol, I would strongly advocate opening this hand 1. It seems clearly the best way to find a 4-4 major fit as soon as possible. If partner bids 1♠ , you can make a strong raise. If the response is 1NT, then 2NT would be an appropriate rebid, and if partner bids 2♦, you can bid 2NT if forcing (recommended) or 3NT otherwise. If you open 1♣ , you have the dilemma over a 1♦  response as to whether you bid a non-forcing 1♥ or 2NT which implies no 4-card major. Opening 2NT is not unreasonable, but making 8 tricks will be very difficult opposite a weak hand.

Playing 5-card majors, you can open 1♣ , but it helps if you play that a 1♦  response denies a 4-card major, otherwise you have the same dilemma.

PART 2- the bidding quiz

Now we can see both hands- can you create a sound and believable auction to the best contract? Send your entries to me at grahamcox1954@yahoo.co.uk (stating your system if not Acol)

A K 9 5                                                                    ♠ J 8 7 4

K 9 7 4                                                                    ♥ A

A                                                                              ♦ Q 9 3 2

K Q 5 4                                                                   ♣  A J 8 6

ANSWER: Thanks to all those who sent in an entry.George Farnan and Alan Wallace both came up with a match for my suggested auction:

1♥ -1♠ -4♦ -4♥ -4NT-5♥ -6♠ 

4♦ is a splinter bid, agreeing spades as trumps and showing a singleton or void in diamonds. (4♠ would be a reasonable alternative if  splinter bids are not in your toolbox). 4♥ is a cue-bid showing slam interest and a control in hearts, and 4NT is key-card blackwood. 5♥ shows 2 of the 5 keycards, but no Queen of trumps, and West sets the final contract. (An interesting point at this stage is whether you think 6♣ or 6♠ is the best contract)

So for the final part of the quiz, can you work out the best line of play in 6♠ ? North leads the 10♣  Send your suggestions to me at the same e-mail address and a prize awaits the best entry!