BRIDGE

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x A J 7 6 2 u A J v A Q 7 w Q 8 4
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 2w Pass
3NT Pass 4NT Pass
?
Playing a 15-17 range for a one-no-trump opening, what do you bid now?
A. Your jump rebid shows 18-19 points and partner asks you to bid on with a maximum. It is tempting to add a point for your five-card suit and upgrade your honor in partner's suit, but your lack of intermediates suggests caution. Pass.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x 9 7 6 u 10 5 4 v A 7 3 w K J 6 3
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x 2v ?
What action do you take?
A. Bid two spades now -- you can then pass on the next round, should that circumstance arise, with a clear conscience.
Q. Vulnerable, as South you hold:
x J 3 u A J 6 v A K J 10 2 w A 10 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1v 1x 1NT Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A. To bid anything other than three no trump would be pusillanimous indeed.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:
x K 6 2 u A J 6 v A K 10 7 w Q 6 3
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass Pass 2w
Pass Pass 2v Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. Pass, before the opponents start doubling you.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x A Q 10 6 5 2 u Void v A J 6 w A K 9 4
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x 2u Pass Pass
?
What action do you take?
A. If you play negative doubles, your additional strength makes up for your inability to lead a trump should partner convert the double to penalties.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
x J 8 6 4 u Q 9 4 3 v 8 w A J 7 5
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
Pass Pass 1w 1v
?
What action do you take?
A. You can double and bring both major suits into play. If that weapon is not in your arsenal, you have to choose between a pass or a raise to two clubs -- we don't like either particularly, but find two clubs less objectionable.
& copy;2006, Tribune Media Services
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