BRIDGE
Q. Not vulnerable, you hold:
x 10 8 7 5 2 u 9 2 v 10 9 8 5 w 8 7
Partner opens the bidding with one no trump. What action do you take?
A. At no trump, your hand is unlikely to produce a single trick. At spades, it should produce two or three. If you play transfer bids, transfer into spades and pass. If not, bid two spades.
Q. Not vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 10 9 6 3 2 u 9 v 7 4 w Q J 10 7
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTHEASTSOUTH WEST
1u Dbl 1x Pass
3u Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Be careful -- this looks like a classic misfit. The rule with misfits is to get out of the auction at the first legitimate (nonforcing) opportunity. That moment has arrived. Pass.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K 10 7 4 2 u 10 6 5 v 6 w 6 5 4 2
Partner opens the bidding with one spade. What action do you take?
A. This is the type of holding that makes weak jump raises so popular. If that weapon is in your arsenal, by all means leap to three spades. If not, bid two spades. To be sure, this hand is pathetically weak, but the advantage of stealing the opponents' bidding space should not be overlooked.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x Q u A Q J v K Q 8 4 w K Q 8 3 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WESTNORTHEAST
1w Pass 1u Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. You have a very good hand with an excellent fit for partner's suit. Best is to make a "reverse" bid of two diamonds, which is forcing and shows extra values, and follow by supporting hearts. This will paint the picture of a fine hand with spade shortage, heart support and slam interest. Let partner determine how to put that knowledge to work.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x Q J u K 9 8 4 3 v A 10 6 w A K 2
The bidding has proceeded:
WESTNORTHEASTSOUTH
1v Pass Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. In the direct seat, you would simply make an overcall of one heart. In the balancing seat, however, a reopening bid in a suit is limited to some 10-11 points. All stronger hands start with a takeout double, and that is the action you should take.
& copy; 2003, Tribune Media Services