Dear Mr. Rigal: I have heard that a lot of the convicted cheaters from recent years have had masterpoints taken away from them in addition to a suspension. Why do masterpoints have anything to do with it?

Answer: Masterpoints mean a lot to some players. They can be a measure of prestige at the game. Indeed, the hallowed Life Master title still carries weight. Any punishment should also act as a deterrent for other would-be cheaters, and there are plenty of players out there who would think twice before losing their hard-earned masterpoints.

Dear Mr. Rigal: Which card would you lead from a holding of 10-nine-small in partner’s suit?

Answer: I would lead the 10, which I consider to be the normal card. Leading from a sequence takes precedence over showing count. If I had 10-three-two, I would lead the two. The question of what to lead from three small (in a raised or unraised suit) is too complex a subject to discuss here. MUD is not my choice, but I will comment on that in the near future.

Dear Mr. Rigal: Would you recommend playing five-card Stayman over a one-no-trump opening?

Answer: As mentioned last month, I do not use five-card (or Puppet) Stayman over two no-trump, but it is a bit different when the opening is at the one-level. In that case, there are more spare bids. I still play two clubs as regular Stayman, but with some partners I would be happy to use three clubs — or even two no-trump — as a five-card major ask. In this scheme, responder’s two spades shows clubs (you might include a range-ask in this call), and two no-trump shows diamonds.

Dear Mr. Rigal: I am confused as to when my new-suit bids should also promise a fit for partner’s suit, and when they should not. What advice can you provide?

Answer: This should only apply in competition, and primarily when you are a passed hand. The theory goes that on an auction such as one heart on your left — one spade from partner — two or three hearts on your right, you cannot really have a natural minor-suit bid, having passed originally, unless you also have a fit for partner’s suit. The principle can be extended further even by an unpassed hand. See acblunit390.org/Simon/fitshowing.html for more.

Dear Mr. Rigal: I had ? 8-7, ? A-J-9-7-5-2, ? 10-5-2, ? A-9, vulnerable against not, and responded one heart to partner’s one diamond. The next hand doubled, partner passed and my right-hand opponent jumped to three spades. What would you do now? We do not play support redoubles.

— Two-way, Dodge City, Kan.

Answer: I would bid four hearts. This might make, but even if it does not, the opponents may find it hard not to save in four spades at these colors, especially if I make my bid with confidence! I do agree that my hand is not quite worth this call, so I will prepare my excuses mentally as I deliver it.

Contact Barry Rigal, email him at barryrigal@hotmail.com