Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #109

1. Double: Don't give up. It is true that you can worry in this situation because North certainly holds some Spades behind you, but you should not let the possible danger stop you. Statistically, the best call is a takeout Double, especially in view of the discovery of a Club fit. And 17HCP and a singleton in the opponents' suit are reasons to celebrate!
   
2. Pass: Partner bids a fourth-suit forcing 3♥ and when he hears about your Heart stopper, ventures a quantitative 4NT. Alas, you have already shown a strong two-suiter, promising at least 16HCP. With 17HCP, you have a near-minimum, even more so because your long suit (Spades) is very poor and you have no support for East's long suit (Diamonds). Decline the invitation.
   
3. 7♠ (or 7♣): 5♣ shows three keycards, the two missing Aces and the King of trumps (Spades). Your 5♦ bid asks for the trump Queen. East's 5NT response shows:
   1. I have the Queen of trumps (else he would have bid 5♠).
   2. I have no King (or else he would have bid it at the six-level).
   3. On the other hand, I have some interesting things I have not told you about yet (otherwise, he would bid 6♣).

With all that, the grand slam becomes an excellent bet because you already have five Spade tricks, two Hearts, one Diamond and four Clubs. All you need is East to hold five Clubs or the Queen of Hearts or a doubleton Heart for the grand slam to be very good. And if he has none of that and only the Queen of Diamonds, the contract will depend on the position of the King of Diamonds.