Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 7 6 3 u Void v Q 10 9 6 2 w A K 9 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
Pass Pass 1v Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. Jump shift to three clubs. Since one of a minor might be opened with a three-card suit, the jump shift virtually guarantees five-card support for diamonds.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K 8 3 u 7 v K J 8 6 5 2 w A Q 5
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1w Pass 1v Pass
1u Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. A tough problem. Bidding three clubs is safe since, if partner is short in clubs, he either has three diamonds and will show them or else bid no trump.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x J 10 9 7 6 2 u A 10 3 v K 5 w A 6
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 3w Pass
3x Pass 4x Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. We are relatively simple souls and would simply leap to six spades.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x A 10 7 6 2 u Void v J 10 4 w A K 8 7 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1w Pass 1v Pass
1x Pass 2NT Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. Partner has not rebid diamonds and you have not yet shown your fifth spade, and that's just enough to swing us to three spades.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K 9 7 u A J 6 4 3 v K 10 3 w 7 4
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1w Pass 1u Pass
1x Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A. You must choose between two diamonds and two spades, of which two diamonds is the least revolting.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K J 5 3 u A 10 v J 7 3 w A K J 6
Your right-hand opponent opens one heart. What action do you take?
A. Overcall one no trump.
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; 2005, Tribune Media Services