The third hand has the problem PHILLIP ALDER

Don Marquis, a humorist, playwright and columnist who died in 1937, said, "I get up in the morning with an idea for a three-volume novel and by nightfall it's a paragraph in my column."

Each day I get up and think I will write a week of columns in the morning, but I am happy if they are done by nightfall. However, this deal should be part of every bridge player's repertoire at whatever time of day it is being played. It features lots of instructive material.

What should North respond after partner opens one spade if, first, West passes; and second, if West makes a takeout double? Next, what should West lead against four spades? Last, if West opts for a low diamond, what should happen after that?