bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x9 8 7 4 2 u8 4 vQ 7 5 w10 4 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2w Pass 2v Pass

2x Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. You have five trumps as your only asset — no first- or second-round control of any suit. Get this message across to partner by jumping to four spades — the Principle of Fast Arrival. Unless partner needs nothing more than trump support for slam, he must pass.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 4 uK 10 8 7 3 vJ 9 5 3 2 w7

Partner opens the bidding with one no trump. What do you respond?

A. While there are some holdings that might produce game opposite this collection, just bid two hearts (or transfer into two hearts, if those are your methods). To employ Stayman and then bid hearts would show a much better hand.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x8 7 3 uA 10 9 3 vQ 6 4 wJ 8 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1u 1x ?

What action do you take?

A. Pass, and see how partner reacts.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 9 5 u6 vA Q 9 4 wA K 7 6 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2w Pass

2u Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You have a very good hand, too strong for a jump preference in partner’s first-bid suit. Start with a fourth-suit bid of three diamonds. When you support spades on the next round, partner will know you have slam in mind.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK Q 10 uA K 9 8 3 vQ 7 w8 6 2

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 2w Pass

2u Pass 3v Pass

3NT Pass 4u Pass

?

A. Partner’s bidding clearly indicates a singleton spade, and the bulk of your hand has just turned into jelly for slam purposes. Pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xQ 10 9 7 6 uK 9 3 vK 8 2 w10 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1x Pass

2u Pass 3v Pass

4x Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Partner has painted a hand with good spade support and no more than one club. Your primary concern is how many aces he holds, and there is an easy way to find out. Bid four no trump.

2011 Tribune Media Services