bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x8 7 3 uA K 9 8 vK 7 3 w10 6 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1u Pass

2u Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Pass while you are still at a makable level.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA 9 6 4 uA K 9 8 2 v8 6 w10 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1u Pass

2u Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You have the combined values for game, but not necessarily in hearts. There is a possibility that partner has a minimum opening bid including four spades and only three hearts. To investigate the possibility, bid two spades.

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

x10 6 uK 2 v8 7 5 3 wA K J 9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2w Pass

2u Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Your two-level response promised another bid. However, your clubs are not rebiddable at the three-level and you should avoid bidding no trump without a diamond stopper. Take a preference to the longer of partner’s two suits, which is more likely to be spades. Bid two spades.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 10 uA K J 3 2 v8 5 wJ 9 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2u Pass

3w Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. All you can do is continue to describe your hand and a raise to four clubs is a standout — it leaves all your options open.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xJ 10 uA K 9 8 4 v10 7 6 3 wK 6

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2u Pass

3w Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. The obvious way to investigate is to bid three diamonds. That promises nothing about diamonds, it is simply fourth-suit forcing. Partner’s next bid might help clarify the situation.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xJ 6 5 3 uJ 8 6 vK J 7 wQ 7 6

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2x Pass

2NT Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Your 8 points are just about enough to accept partner’s invitation. Bid three no trump now. Partner is free to correct.

2011 Tribune Media Services