Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 7 3 u Q J 7 6 3 2 v J 7 3 w 8 5
The bidding has proceeded:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1x Pass 2x 3NT
Dbl ?
What action do you take?
A. Expect partner to hold a long, solid minor suit, at least one spade stopper and perhaps another card somewhere. There is no guarantee he has any length or strength in hearts. Trust him. Pass.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 10 u 7 6 3 v A K 8 7 3 w K Q 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
3u 4x Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Raise to five spades. That asks partner to go to six with second-round heart control and to cue-bid with first-round control.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A J 9 5 4 u Q 5 v A K J 6 w 6 5
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT Pass 3x Pass
3NT Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Even if there is no spade fit, there might be one in diamonds and there is a haven at no trump. Bid four diamonds to see what reaction that gets from partner but respect a second sign-off.
Q. Neither vulnerable, you hold:
x A Q u K 8 v 9 8 7 4 w A K J 6 3
Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with one spade. What action do you take?
A. If you have a firm conviction that this hand is unbalanced and so unsuited to a no-trump overcall, mix a diamond in with your spades and bid one no trump now.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K J 10 4 u A 8 2 v 10 9 5 4 w K J
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1v Pass 1x Pass
3v Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. Start by making a temporizing bid in your heart fragment and then support diamonds on the next round. Bid three hearts.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 6 u A K J 5 2 v A 9 8 w A Q 9 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1x Pass
2w Pass 4x Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. Cue-bid five diamonds and accept any move partner then makes toward slam.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services
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