BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K J 7 u A Q 10 7 6 v 9 6 5 w 7 6
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1w 1x ?
What do you bid now?
A. You have enough to bid, but a free bid of two hearts is out of the question. That forces the auction at least to the three-level, and it could spiral out of control. The right action is to bid one no trump although, if negative doubles are in your quiver, that would also make sense here.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x A J 8 4 u K 9 5 v Q J 7 4 w 10 3
Partner opens the bidding with one spade. What do you respond?
A. If you play limit jump raises, this hand is perfect for three spades. If you play that as forcing, bid two diamonds now and then support spades at your next turn.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K 9 7 6 3 u 8 2 v K 8 7 w A 10 5
Partner opens the bidding with one spade. What do you respond?
A. The hand is no stronger that the one in question two. It is a perfect limit raise. If you play that a jump to three spades is forcing, you have to make a temporizing bid in your cheaper three-card minor. Bid two clubs.
Q. Neither vulnerable, a South you hold:
x 9 8 4 u A K Q 10 6 v K Q 8 w A 5
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1x Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. Show your power by jumping to two no trump, regardless of whether your no-trump range is 15-17 or 16-18. This hand is easily worth 19 points.
Q. As South, you hold:
x A J 7 3 u K Q 7 4 v K 8 6 3 w 7
What is your opening bid?
A. If you play five-card majors, you have no problem -- open one diamond. If you play four-card majors, open one heart! That will leave you perfectly placed for a rebid no matter what partner responds.
Q. Vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K J 9 5 u 8 3 v Q 10 7 w A Q 10 6
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1u Pass 1x Pass
2x Pass ?
What action do you take?
A. Describe your hand further by bidding three clubs, and abide by partner's decision thereafter.
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;2006, Tribune Media Services