bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ 9 5 uA K 4 v9 3 wA K Q 7 6

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Bid three hearts.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 9 7 6 u4 vA K Q J 5 wA Q 7

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1x Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. No spade raise does this hand justice. Start with a jump shift to three clubs and insist on spades later in the auction. That will highlight your singleton heart as well.

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

xA Q J uQ 3 2 v8 4 wA K 10 9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1v Dbl Pass 1x

Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You have a good hand, but partner might not have much. Had you held a fourth spade, a raise to two spades would be in order. With only three-card support, treat the hand as a minimum takeout double and pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA 5 uK J 7 6 3 2 vA wA Q J 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 2v Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. This is too easy. You have a strong, two-suited hand and should advise partner of this at the first opportunity. The “high reverse” of three clubs describes your hand perfectly, so do not even consider anything else.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K Q 7 3 uA K 8 vA 7 6 4 w7

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2x Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Your holding merits investigating slam possibilities. The most important information you need right now, is to investigate whether you have two diamond losers, so start with a try in that suit. Bid three diamonds and, if partner does anything other than sign off in three spades, continue exploring.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xQ 9 8 2 uJ 10 7 3 vK 10 wJ 7 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

3v Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Pass and hope partner can piece together nine tricks in diamonds. Continuing to three no trump is an act of desperation!

2011 Tribune Media Services