BRIDGE

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K Q 8 6 3 2 u Q 9 2 v 5 w A 10 4
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x 2v 2u Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. The chief purpose of the auction is to locate a possible eight-card major-suit fit. That has already been accomplished, and you should tell partner about it. Bid three hearts. Rebidding your six-card spade suit is second-best and would muddy the waters.
Q. Neither vulnerable, you hold:
x K 7 6 3 u A Q 8 v A J 8 w A 8 5
Partner opens the bidding with one heart. What do you respond?
A. There is a conventional bid that describes this hand exactly. Jump to three no trump. That shows specifically a 4-3-3-3 distribution and 15-18 points. Could you paint a clearer picture of your holding?
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 9 2 u A 3 v K Q J 10 9 3 w Q 8 6
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1v 1x 2u 2x
?
What action do you take?
A. Only two options are available. You can rebid three diamonds to stress the quality of the suit, or pass with your balanced minimum opening bid. Since partner promised a rebid when he bid two hearts, it seems correct to give him the right of way. Allow him to describe his hand at as low a level as possible by passing.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x Q 10 6 u K J 7 4 v A K J 9 w A 10
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT Pass 2w Pass
2x Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. You are certainly going to play in slam, but you do not yet know in which strain or even whether you want to contract for 12 or 13 tricks. Rather than take some complex route, bid a natural three diamonds to start probing for the best spot. Needless to say, that action is an absolute force. Incidentally, partner knows you have four hearts because of your original Stayman two clubs.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x J 6 3 2 u Q 10 8 v A K 10 3 w A 4
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1u Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. An initial response of one spade is inferior to the 2-over-1 game force. Bid two diamonds and follow up by supporting hearts. Help partner evaluate his high cards. If, in your methods, two diamonds would not be game-forcing, jump to two no trump.
& copy; 2003, Tribune Media Services