Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 8 7 5 4 u 7 v K Q 4 3 w A 9 5
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
5w Dbl Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. We cannot imagine a hand partner could have for a takeout double at the five-level that will not offer play for slam opposite your holding. Start by bidding six clubs, asking partner to choose a suit. Obviously, you will pass six diamonds and correct a six-heart response to six spades.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South you hold:
x 6 u 4 v A J 8 7 4 2 w A J 9 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1v 1u Pass Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. A strange hand! The mystery is, what has happened to the spade suit? It seems like partner has good hearts, but one of the reasons we opened was because we held a two-suiter, so we can't stop bidding. Bid two clubs and let the auction unravel. At least, should you end up in an uncomfortable contract, the vulnerability is in your favor.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 6 u A J 10 8 7 4 2 v J 9 w A J 8
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1x Pass
2u Pass 3w Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. You should only have one thing to say -- hearts! Bid three hearts. That should convince partner you have a seven-card heart suit and a minimum opening bid, leaving the decision to him. If he has a singleton heart and a good hand, four hearts might well be a good contract.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x 7 6 2 u K J 9 6 5 v 9 4 3 w 5 2
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1w Dbl 2w ?
What action do you take?
A. You don't have much, but this might be the only chance you have to show a suit you want led if partner is on lead. Bid two hearts now. There is no guarantee you will get a second chance to bid.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x A K Q J 10 7 6 u A 6 v 10 4 w 10 6
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x 2w Pass Pass
?
What do you bid now?
XThis column is written by Tannah Hirsch and Omar Sharif. For information about Charles Goren's newsletter for bridge players, call (800) 788-1225 or write Goren Bridge Letter, P.O. Box 4410, Chicago, Ill. 60680.
& copy; 2004, Tribune Media Services
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