bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK Q 6 uA 7 vK Q J 8 5 w7 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1u Pass 1x ?

What action do you take?

A. While it is risky to step into the auction between two unlimited hands and while you would have liked to have a sixth diamond to act at the two-level, you have too much to pass. Bid two diamonds.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x10 9 8 uK 6 v9 3 2 wA 7 6 4 3

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1v 1x Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Treat partner’s overcall as if it were an opening bid. Had West passed and partner opened one spade, your best response would have been to raise to two spades, so take that action now.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK 9 8 5 uQ 7 6 5 vA 7 w5 3 2

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1w Dbl Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. When responding to partner’s takeout double, rate your hand in one of three categories: weak, invitational or game forcing. This hand, although dead minimum for such action, qualifies as invitational. Jump in your better four-card major, in this case two spades. Partner, with a minimum double, is allowed to pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x7 uK Q 8 vQ J 9 7 6 4 2 w9 5

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

A. It is not often we suggest you conceal a seven-card suit, but this is clearly the right time for that. Bid two hearts.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ 9 8 5 u8 5 vA 10 6 5 wQ J 10

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass 2w Pass

2x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Your good intermediate cards justified a move toward game, regardless of partner’s strength. While the 4-4 spade fit has improved your hand, it is a whisker short of a jump to game. Invite, by raising to three spades.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K 8 6 uA Q J 4 v9 6 5 w7 3

What is your opening bid?

A. What a horrible choice you have. You must either open one no trump on a hand that is a point short and has no source of tricks, or depart from your system and open a four-card major — either suit you choose could be wrong and lead to further problems. The alternative is to open one diamond but that, too, opens the path to possible disaster. Pick one.

2011 Tribune Media Services