This is South from a recent bridge column.  North opens 1 heart.  As South, how would you continue with this hand?   

 

S)  A Q 10 8 4 2
H)  A J 6
D)  5
C)  A 10 3

 

The bidding suggested in the column was:
 

North                      South
1 H                          1 S
2 D                          3 C
 

South’s 3 club bid was intended, I think, to show strength and certainly is forcing; but leaves North in the dark about her excellent spades, superb hearts, and exceptional strength. 
 

South has 17 points.  Slam is possible but only if North has somewhat more than a minimum.  North having already shown two suits, most likely will go on to 3 hearts or 3NT.  The difficulty here is that North never knows South’s full values; the 3 club call does not promise more than game values, hence cannot see her way beyond game, even with 15 or 16 points.
 

The better way is for South to jump shift to 2 spades immediately (17 to 18 points, the modern standard for a jump shift by responder) then show your heart support.  You can see here how well this works.
 

North                      South
1 H                          2 S
3 D                          3 H

 

In two bids, South has described a hand of 17 to 18 points, good spades and at least three-card support for hearts.  With 15 or 16 points, North may continue to slam; or may settle for game with less.

 

A person who . . .
. . . makes up his own bidding rules = an independent player.
. . . talks a lot at the table = good communication skills.
. . . knows a lot of dirty jokes = a keen sense of humor.
. . . offers plausible excuses for bad plays = quick thinker.