BRIDGE

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x Q J 8 6 5 u K 4 v A K 4 3 w 8 5
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT Pass 3x Pass
3NT Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Yes there are hands where slam would be laydown. No, you should not investigate the possibilities -- there are too many holdings where 11 tricks would be problematical. That is true even if your no-trump range is 16-18.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South you hold:
x Q 10 7 6 u 9 3 v Q 6 w J 10 7 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT Dbl ?
A. As the great Alvin Roth was wont to ask: Where's the problem? You have nothing to add at this point, so pass smoothly. If one no trump becomes the final contract, partner should be pleasantly surprised by your five points and five clubs.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 7 5 u A Q 6 4 v K 10 8 w Q 8 7 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1w Pass 1u1x
?
What action do you take?
A. Although you have a dead minimum opening bid, don't even consider passing when you have four-card support for responder's suit -- especially such strong support. If you do, you will never be able to convince partner later of your heart strength. Bid two hearts.
Q. Not vulnerable, you hold:
x A K Q 9 5 u 6 3 v A 10 7 3 w K 5
Partner opens the bidding with one diamond. What do you respond?
A. This holding fits all the requirements of one type of hand suitable for a jump shift -- a strong hand with a good suit and excellent support for partner. Get the hand off your chest in one fell swoop: Jump to two spades.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K 10 7 6 u A Q 9 5 v Q J 3 w A 9
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass 2w Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. There are three different ways to respond to a Stayman inquiry when you hold two four-card majors. Some partnerships bid spades first; next comes the group advocating hearts first. Most interesting are those who recommend bidding the stronger of the two. We don't mind which you employ, as long as you and partner are on the same page.
& copy; 2004, Tribune Media Services