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New Jersey

Will give the first indication of whether Obama's momentum has genuinely damaged Clinton. She had wide lead here in delegate-rich (127) state neighbouring her home turf of New York just two weeks ago. Polls say Obama has now drawn level. A strong Obama showing here will point to wider problems for former First Lady.

New York

Second only to California in size and delegates (281), will be the first large contest to declare. Clinton must win big in her home state. Look for how well Obama does in black districts, and whether he can pick off more delegates than expected. McCain will also want to win well here.

Georgia

Crucial for Mr Obama to dominate here. Like Alabama, a central part of his Super Tuesday strategy is to capitalise on the large black vote in these Southern states, and replicate his big win in South Carolina. Mitt Romney has to do well in the South, with support from conservatives, if he is to block McCain.

Missouri

Close race in both parties, and all candidates campaigned hard here. The ultimate bellwether in heart of America: Bible Belt, Yankee, rural, industrial, wealthy, big job losses. Picked every US president correctly for past 100 years (except 1956). 88 delegates for Democrats, 58 for Republicans.

Illinois

Obama's home state (and Clinton's birthplace). Polls show Obama with huge lead. Like Clinton in New York, he has to win by a wide margin and take as many of its 185 delegates as possible. McCain expected to win its 70 Republican delegates.

Arizona

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