Answers to weekly quiz

Answers to weekly quiz

Q. East-West vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 10 8 6 uK 9 6 vA 9 6 2 w8 3

The bidding has proceeded:

EASTSOUTHWESTNORTH

3wPassPassDbl

Pass?

What action do you take?

A. At first glance it might seem that a jump to four spades is automatic, but consider the vulnerability. If partner has anything resembling a double, there is a distinct likelihood the contract will be defeated at least two tricks — more than the value of a nonvulnerable game. Add to that the likelihood of bad breaks and the possibility that partner might have only three spades, and a pass looks most attractive.

Q. As South vulnerable, you hold

xQ uK J 8 6 2 vK J 7 3 w8 4 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

1v1u?

What do you bid now?

A. Since partner is short in hearts, he almost certainly has at least four diamonds, so we would opt for a raise to two diamonds.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 10 5 uK 7 4 vA 10 7 6 2 wA 4

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTHWESTNORTHEAST

1vPass1xPass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Raise to two spades.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA K Q 8 6 3 uK Q J vJ wA K 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

Pass3u?

What action do you take?

A. Two bids stand out — three no trump and four spades. Though three no trump could be right because of a possible heart ruff, we have a slight preference for four spades.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA Q 10 6 uA Q 6 3 vK 10 3 w7 3

What is your opening bid?

A. To open anything other than one no trump with this holding might lead to insurmountable problems.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 6 u6 vA 10 9 6 wK Q 10 5 4 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

1w1x?

What do you bid now?

A. Start by cue-bidding two spades to show your strength, and see how the auction develops.

2009 Tribune Media Services