BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K u7 5 2 vK 8 7 6 4 3 wA 9

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Three bids come into consideration -- a raise to two hearts, a rebid of your six-card minor or a slightly off-shape one no trump. We do not believe in raising partner’s major-suit response with three low cards if there is any other option.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x9 5 4 uA 8 vK 10 4 3 wJ 7 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1u Pass 2u 2x

Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Despite the vulnerability, partner might just be competing, but could also have a hand with strong playing potential. With three-card support, a ruffing value, an ace and a king, your hand is better than partner can expect. Tell him by raising to three spades -- to pass would be a great dereliction of duty.

Q. Vulnerable, as South you hold:

x8 6 uA 8 4 vA Q 7 6 3 2 w9 5

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1v Pass

1x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Whatever your methods, you do not have enough to bid two hearts, either as fourth-suit forcing or a natural reverse -- both would be game-forcing. Since you do not want to make a simple rebid when you hold two aces and a fair six-card suit, make an invitational jump to three diamonds despite the poor quality of your suit.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ 9 2 uA Q 9 2 v8 3 wQ 9 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass 1NT Dbl ?

What action do you take?

A. Your first task is to tell partner that the hand belongs to you. The textbook way to accomplish that is to redouble. That leaves the way open to double the opponents for penalties or to buy the hand your way.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA K 7 6 2 uA Q 6 vK 7 w10 9 7

What is your opening bid?

A. There are those who refuse to open one no trump with a five-card major, but in the words of the immortal Samuel Goldwyn, “Include us out!” Suppose you open one spade and partner responds one no trump. Two no trump is an overbid and anything else misrepresents your holding. Avoid the problem by opening one no trump.

2011 Tribune Media Services Inc.