BRIDGE

April 19, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

BRIDGE

Answers to weekly quiz

Q. Both vulnerable. South you hold:

xA Q 10 8 6 5 4 uVoid vA J 6 wA K 9

Partner opens the bidding with four hearts. What action do you take?

A. If partner is the type who, at this vulnerability, would open four hearts with a suit that is likely to contain several losers, it time to change partners. If not, raise to six hearts despite your void.

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

x9 5 uA 10 8 4 vA 10 7 wQ J 9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1x 2w

What action do you take?

A. With four probable defensive tricks, it is unlikely that East can make two clubs, so double — the penalty could be substantial. Two no trump is a poor second choice since you might not have a source of tricks on offense. Playing negative doubles, pass and hope partner reopens with a double.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA Q 8 7 5 4 2 uA vA K wA Q 7

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2w* Pass 2v** Pass

2x Pass 4x Pass

*artificial game force

**waiting

What action do you take?

A. Pass.

Q. As South vulnerable, you hold:

xA 10 9 uA 8 7 6 3 v9 5 wJ 8 7

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

2w Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Bid two diamonds.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA 9 7 6 uA 9 8 7 6 2 vK Q 7 wVoid

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w 3w ?

What action do you take?

A. In our opinion, only two options are available to South — a cue-bid of four clubs or a bid of three hearts. Since we prefer probing for a fit before making a cue-bid, our choice is three hearts.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x7 6 2 uA K Q 10 v9 6 2 w10 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

1x Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. The popular choice would be a preference for diamonds, and no one can quarrel with the mainstream. However, we have a sneaky admiration for anyone who opts for two hearts! It is certainly a better suit than many five-carders we have run across.

SCrt 2010 Tribune Media Services