BRIDGE

ANSWERS TO WEEKLY QUIZ
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K Q J 10 6 3 u Q 9 v A 10 w A 9 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 1NT Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. It might seem that your choice is between an invitational jump to three spades or a simple raise to two spades. However, there is another bid that appeals to us enormously. You have a balanced hand that will take seven tricks on its own. If partner has a sound no-trump response, there might be a nine-trick game, but not ten tricks. Jump to three no trump, showing a balanced 18-19 points,
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A K 8 6 5 u A 10 6 v 9 w 8 7 4 3
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1v Pass 1x Pass
2w Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. A raise to three clubs can be passed, and a jump to four clubs bypasses three no trump. The solution is to bid the fourth suit. A bid of two hearts now is game forcing and says nothing about the heart suit.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x 9 6 4 2 u J 7 6 5 v Q 7 3 w 7 3
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1v Dbl Rdbl ?
What do you bid now?
A. Partner's double asks you to bid your best suit. However, the redouble has relieved you of that obligation. If you bid a suit here, you are saying it is better than either of the other suits. You have no preference in the majors. Pass, and let partner choose the escape suit.
Q. Neither vulnerable, you hold:
x 8 5 u A 9 8 5 4 v Void w A J 9 8 6 5
Partner opens the bidding with one club. What do you respond?
A. This is not the time to get excited and start jumping -- you might need a lot of room to investigate. Start with a simple one heart response and see how the auction develops.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 7 4 3 u J 10 9 v K 6 5 w 10 9 6
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1u Dbl ?
What action do you take?
A. The rule is that you ignore the double and make the same bid you would have had East passed. Obviously, that bid is two hearts, and we cannot find a reason for you not to take your normal action.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A K u Q 7 v K J 10 7 6 5 3 2 w 7
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT Pass 3v Pass
3u Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. Partner's bid of three hearts is a cue-bid showing good diamond support and a maximum no trump. Ask for aces and, if partner shows three, bid seven no trump. You can count 12 tricks and partner still has 3 or 4 points unaccounted for. If partner shows two aces, bid six diamonds.
& copy;2004 Tribune Media Services