BRIDGE

Q. Vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 9 6 u J 4 3 v K 8 4 w Q 7 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x Pass 2x Pass
2NT Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Partner is inviting you to game if you hold a maximum, and you could hardly have more. Bid three no trump, even if you play five-card majors. Your square hand with an honor in every suit strongly suggests a no-trump contract over the suit, and suggests you raised spades with only three-card support.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A 9 4 u 6 v A K J 6 5 w 9 8 5 4
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1v Pass 1x Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. There is only one bid that comes to mind -- a raise to two spades. If you bid two diamonds now and then raise spades later, should partner bid again, he will find it hard to believe that you have a minimum opener with such good support for his suit.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x K 9 u A Q 9 5 4 v Q 8 7 w K 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 2w Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. The choice lies between three clubs and two no trump. The latter describes your hand perfectly -- a balanced hand not strong enough to open one no trump with stoppers in the unbid suits and a five-card heart suit. Could you think of a more descriptive bid.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x 8 6 u A K J 8 5 2 v K Q 7 w 7 2
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x Pass 2u Pass
4u Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Unless you play the Principle of Fast Arrival, in which case you should pass, you are in the slam zone. However, asking for aces won't help. Suppose partner shows two aces -- you might still have two fast losers in clubs. All you can do is bid five hearts, showing interest in slam but denying any first-round control in a side suit, and leaving the decision to partner.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x Q 10 7 6 3 u 6 v 9 5 w A J 6 5 2
Partner opens the bidding with one spade. What do you respond?
A. This is a textbook raise to four spades -- five trumps, a singleton and very little in the way of defense. The main purpose is to keep the opponents out of the auction while at the same time being in a contract you might make.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services
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