BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Not vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA 6 3 u6 2 vA Q 5 wA J 9 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v 1x ?

What do you bid now?

A. In the good old days, you could jump to three clubs to show a good hand and a long suit, but the modern version of that action is pre-emptive. And you cannot cue-bid two diamonds since that shows a limit raise or better in partner’s suit. However, a simple bid of two clubs is forcing. Do that, and bid strongly thereafter.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK 4 2 uJ 4 3 v6 3 w10 8 7 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1v 1x 2x ?

What action do you take?

A. Congratulations. You have the king in partner’s suit and a ruffing value. That is not enough to say anything freely. Pass, and hope the opponents stay out of game.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ 7 2 u7 2 vQ J 10 6 5 wQ 8 5

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2w Pass 2v Pass

3NT Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Yes, we can think of some holdings where partner might have enough for slam, but many more where even three no trump might fail. Pass, and hope for the best.

Q. Vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x6 uQ J 10 6 2 vA Q 5 3 2 w6 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass 1x Pass 2w

?

What action do you take?

A. The auction has developed well for you. You have a chance to compete at a low level and have partner select the suit. Make a takeout double, showing the two unbid suits, and then retire from the auction — unless partner does something dramatic.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA Q 10 6 5 4 uA J 10 4 vA wA 8

Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with one club. What action do you take?

A. It might seem automatic to overcall with some number of spades, but aggressive pre-emptive action might result in your playing in the wrong suit. Our vote goes to a cue-bid of two clubs, bringing both suits into play.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ J 9 7 5 4 uK 8 vA 9 5 wJ 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1w Dbl

?

What do you bid now?

A. We would have opened your hand with one spade without a second thought. Now you have to try to catch up. Start with a jump to two spades and hope the auction continues.

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