This conundrum was written by Barbara Seagram's and was originally published in the book Barbara's Bridge Tips - you can find out all about it further down the page.
This quiz is about The Balancing Act.
Hand 1
In direct seat, you would pass. In balancing seat, you should bid 1NT. (You have 16 HCP for a fleeting instant, having added those temporary 3 points!)
Hand 2
Now you really do have 17 HCP. In direct seat, you would overcall 1NT; in balancing seat, you double first and then bid notrump later.
Hand 3
In direct seat, you would pass with this tired, moth-eaten spade suit. In balancing seat, you must overcall 1♠. Don't sell out cheaply to 1♣.
Hand 4
In direct seat, you would pass. In balancing seat, make a takeout double.
Hand 5
In direct or balancing seat, you must pass. Your only decent suit is clubs, and the opponents will have a most unpleasant time in their 1♣ contract.
Whether you have been playing for a while or you're not very experienced, this book will help you to move your game up to the next level. The tips cover all aspects of bridge - bidding, play and defense. Advice and examples are drawn from material Barbara Seagram has developed for her students over the last twenty years - it's like having your own personal bridge coach sitting beside you!