bridge

bridge

Answers to weekly quiz

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA 5 u8 7 6 4 2 vK Q 10 5 4 w9

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u 2w

Pass Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. If you play that a cue-bid of the overcaller’s suit is a limit raise or better of partner’s suit, bid three clubs. If not, jump to three diamonds.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 10 7 6 4 u5 vK 9 6 3 wJ 9 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT* Pass 2w Pass

2x Pass ?

*15-17

What do you bid now?

A. You are straddling the fence between an invitational raise and a jump to game. Had you been vulnerable, the rubber bonus makes it attractive to be aggressive and bid four spades. Not vulnerable, however, choose the conservative approach and raise to three spades.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x8 uA 9 8 6 5 2 vJ 9 2 wA 8 7

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

3v Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. The choice lies between an immediate raise to four diamonds (forcing, of course) or to first cue-bid four clubs. Best is to set the trump suit immediately. You should get a chance to cue-bid clubs on the next round.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK 10 2 uA 9 8 v7 6 4 wQ J 9 6

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Dbl ?

What action do you take?

A. A response of one no trump fits the bill perfectly — a balanced hand with values — while stealing the one-level from the opponents.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK 6 5 2 u9 7 3 vJ 9 8 5 4 wQ

Partner opens the bidding with one heart. What do you respond?

A. There is no reason we can find for not raising the bidding to two hearts — you have the wrong shape for one no trump and one spade lacks the pre-emptive value of raising partner’s major.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K Q 9 8 uK 9 6 vJ 7 3 w8 4

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2w 2v

?

What action do you take?

A. East’s overcall has made matters easier for you. Leave the road clear for partner to describe his two-over-one response further. Pass.

2011 Tribune Media Services