Chapter 11: On the Doorstep:
This is a good chapter to reflect on the previous three "adventure Outset" chapters. In chapter 2, we dive right into danger with the trolls, and we are saved by Gandalf. In chapter 4, we get a Thunderwar, and Bilbo helps a tad. In chapter 8, Bilbo really steps into his own and saves the day. and here in chapter 11, Bilbo solves the riddle that has the dwarves stumped. The interesting thing to me is this is the first chapter where we have gone from the characters reacting to the characters acting. They are making an active choice here, instead of dodging troll sacks or goblin caves or spider nests, they are delving a dragon's den.
Its also where Tolkien again chips away at our enjoyment of the dwarves, with their grumbling and petulance. That will make upcoming chapters a lot easier to swallow.