Balancing Problems

1) After pass by you, W/W, LHO opens 1S followed by P, P. You hold:
Axx
Q10
xxx
A10xxx
Do you balance and if so with what call?

2) You open 1C R/R holding:
AK94
J1084
AK
K74
and get 2S on your left,P, P. Do you bid 2NT without a source of tricks, double with a flaw in diamonds, or pass and hope for the magic 200 on defense?
I passed. +100 for a less than optimal result. Partner held:

x
Qxxx
QJ86
J1085

Hearts were 4-1 with RHO holding 4 to the AK and the club honors were bad as well.

And now a bidding problem. You hold:
AQJ9
J10xxx
x
Axx

Partner opens 1D, opponents silent and you bid 1H. Partner rebids 3D. Your call?

I chose 3NT. WRONG!! Partner has
Kxx
AKx
KQJ9742
void.

Naturally a C was led and when the heart Q was off-side (and C 5-5) we went off one. But but if I had bid 3S at my second turn we would have reached a good 4H. Just stoopid on my part.

For a great book on balancing by Mike Lawrence, see the review at http://www.pattayabridge.com/bridge-books-15.htm

Paul Quodomine