BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK Q 6 5 4 2 uJ 4 vK 10 wK 6 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2u Pass

2x Pass 3v Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. With a slightly unbalanced hand facing a partner whose holding is largely unknown, although reasonably strong, don’t be in a hurry to declare notrump with only a single stopper in the unbid suit. For the moment, take a false preference to three hearts and await partner’s reaction.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA K J 9 uA J 6 vA K 4 w7 5 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1x Pass

1NT Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. This is no time to pussyfoot around. Your wealth of prime cards makes your hand worth nearer 22 than 20. Bid six no trump. Even a dead minimum opening bid with five diamonds should give you good play for 12 tricks.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x8 7 5 uA Q 9 6 5 2 v3 wA K 6

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u 1x 2x Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Partner’s cue-bid shows a limit raise or better in your suit. Even if partner is minimum, with the right cards (singleton spade, king of hearts, ace of diamonds and queen of clubs) you have excellent play for slam. Bid three clubs to start a slam probe.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 5 u8 7 3 vJ 10 6 wA Q J 7 6

Partner opens one spade and East doubles. What action do you take?

A. Bid two clubs.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 10 7 5 3 uQ 8 4 2 v9 5 w9 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2w Pass 2v Pass

2x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You want to play in game in spades and no more unless North has a powerhouse. You can accomplish that with the Principle of Fast Arrival. Jump to game in spades to show a weak hand with excellent spade support and no interest beyond game.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 uQ 9 8 vA J 9 7 6 w8 7 4 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2w Pass 2v Pass

2u Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. An ordinary hand has suddenly become pretty good — trump support headed by an honor, a five-card suit headed by an ace and a singleton. Start by telling partner about what he probably likes to hear — a splinter bid showing a singleton spade and heart support. Bid three hearts. That leaves you the most room to explore slam possibilities.

2013 Tribune Media Services