BRIDGE

May 30, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

BRIDGE

Answers to weekly quiz

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK Q 7 2 uK 10 7 3 v9 7 3 w9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

1xPass2xPass

3uPass?

What do you bid now?

A. Your double fit gives you enough to proceed to game, but that does not mean you should proceed to four spades. The hand could play better in the 4-4 fit, so bid four hearts and let partner choose.

Q. North-South vulnerable, as South you hold:

xQ J 6 uA 8 vQ 9 6 5 w9 8 6 5

The bidding has proceeded:

EASTSOUTHWESTNORTH

1uPass4u4x

5w?

What action do you take?

A. It costs you nothing to cue-bid five hearts en route.

Q. As South vulnerable, you hold:

x7 uK Q 10 8 3 vA 9 6 wA K 6 2

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTHWESTNORTHEAST

1u2x*3u4x

5uPassPass5x

*pre-emptive

What do you bid now?

A. Pass. That promises second-round spade control since you would have doubled with two spade losers. Partner must double or bid on.

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

x8 u4 vK Q J 10 7 wA K 10 8 6 3

The bidding has proceeded:

WESTNORTHEASTSOUTH

1xPass2NT*?

*forcing spade raise

What action do you take?

A. Make life difficult for your opponents. Jump to four no trump. That is clearly a request for a minor-suit takeout.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x8 5 u9 6 vA Q J 5 4 wQ 9 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

EASTSOUTHWESTNORTH

PassPass1u2w

3w?

What action do you take?

A. Your club length suggests East has club control and has slam interest. This is your chance to make a lead-directing bid of three diamonds. You have a safety net — if you are doubled, you can retreat to clubs.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 9 7 6 2 u7 vA K 6 wA J 9 3

Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with a weak two hearts. What action do you take?

A. Your hand is too strong and your spades too weak for a simple overcall of two spades. Since it is well suited to play in any one of the three unbid suits, start with a takeout double. The subsequent auction depends on partner’s response.

SCrt 2010 Tribune Media Services