What antenna polarization is normally used for long-distance CW and SSB contacts on the VHF and UHF bands?

Explanation

Weak-signal CW and SSB work on VHF and UHF is standardised on horizontal polarization, so stations aiming for long-distance contacts orient their antennas that way. Vertical is the convention for FM repeater work, and a vertical antenna working a horizontal one loses a large amount of signal.