BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K Q 10 5 4 u A Q 9 3 v K 10 7 w 6
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 2v Pass
2u Pass 3w Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. Partner's strength is not yet determined, so don't even consider a stultifying three no trump. Show your support for responder's suit by bidding three diamonds.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x J 9 u K J 10 8 4 v A 3 2 w A K 6
You right-hand opponent opens the bidding with three hearts. What action do you take?
A. When the opponents open in your best suit, pass and let them get into trouble. Don't bid three no trump -- you have no source of tricks.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x A 8 7 3 u K 6 5 v A K w A J 10 7
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1w Pass 1x Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. There is no perfect action. A reverse suggests at least five clubs, a jump shift can pose problems should partner raise your second suit and no spade raise adequately expresses your values. That makes us lean toward a jump to two no trump.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 7 3 u 6 4 v K J 10 9 6 3 w Q 10
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1w Pass 1v 1x
3v Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. Since partner has a minor two-suiter, your hand has improved. Start with a cue-bid of three spades.
Q. Vulnerable, you hold:
x J 9 5 4 u Q 10 6 4 v Q 8 7 3 w 7
Partner opens the bidding with one club. What do you respond?
A. Respond one diamond and hope partner can rebid in a major.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x J 8 5 4 u 6 v Q 7 2 w A K 9 8 3
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
3x Dbl Pass?
What action do you take?
A. We would take our shot at three no trump.
XThis column is written by Tannah Hirsch and Omar Sharif. For information about Charles Goren's newsletter for bridge players, call (800) 788-1225 or write Goren Bridge Letter, P.O. Box 4410, Chicago, Ill. 60680. Send e-mail to gorenbridge@aol.com.
& copy; 2006, Tribune Media Services