BRIDGE

Answers to weekly quiz:
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K Q 10 6 5 u 6 2 v K Q 9 8 4 w 6
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x Pass 2v 3w
3u Pass 4x Pass
5x Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. Partner's raise over game asks a specific question: If you have control of the enemy suit, bid slam. Despite only 10 high-card points you have a superb hand for partner and second-round club control. Trust him and bid six spades.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A K 4 u A Q 7 6 4 2 v 8 w 7 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u 1x 2x Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. These days, partner's cue-bid of the overcaller's suit shows a limit raise or better in your suit. Your hand is certainly good enough to accept the invitation but not good enough to aspire to higher things. Tell partner this by bidding four hearts.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A K 8 7 3 u A J 10 6 v A 7 w 9 4
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 2v Pass
2u Pass 4u Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. You should be able to make slam if partner has a club control. However, Blackwood might not uncover the information you need. Cue-bid five diamonds and see how partner reacts. If he bids five hearts, respect his decision and pass.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 7 u K Q 10 5 v J 8 7 4 3 w 9 8 7
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
2w- Pass 2v-- Pass
2x Pass 2NT Pass
3u Pass ?
- artificial game force
-- waiting bid
What do you bid now?
A. Your hand has slam possibilities but you have nothing to cue-bid. The answer is to jump to five hearts. The bid over game shows good hearts and, at the same time, denies the ability to make a cue-bid.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A Q 10 9 u K J 6 v 10 5 4 w A J 10
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1v Pass 1x Pass
2NT Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. Whether your no-trump range is 15-17 or 16-18, your hand is good enough for a small slam but not for all the tricks. Do not force partner to bid what you should. Jump to six no trump.
& copy; 2004, Tribune Media Services
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