bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 5 uA K Q 9 4 v10 7 6 wA Q 8

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 3u 3x

?

What action do you take?

A. Partner’s jump raise is invitational. Had East passed, you would have raised to game. Now, however, you have been given an additional option by the overcall — your hand is suited to defense and notrump. Pass, and let partner decide what he would like to do.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA 8 7 3 u9 5 vK Q 8 4 w7 6 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x 2u 2x 3u

4x 5u ?

What action do you take?

A. You have a very sound raise, and you should let partner decide. Pass. This is not a confession of weakness — it is an announcement of strength.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK J 9 3 u8 2 vA 10 8 7 2 w9 4

Your left-hand opponent opens the bidding with one heart, which gets passed round to you. What action do you take?

A. You should offer some competition, so it is simply a matter of which suit to bid. We prefer one spade for two reasons — the one-level overcall is safer and it offers partner the opportunity to compete in the higher-ranking suit.

Q. Both vulnerable, as West you hold:

xJ 10 8 uK 9 7 vJ 8 7 3 wK 9 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2x Pass

2NT Pass 4x Pass

Pass Pass

What is your opening lead?

A. In light of South’s notrump rebid, leading a plain suit could cost a trick. However, be careful if you opt for a trump — lead the eight just in case partner holds a singleton queen or king!

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA 8 5 uK Q 7 6 vA J 10 wJ 7 3

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1v 1NT Pass 2w

Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Partner’s bid is not Stayman, it is showing a weak hand with long clubs. Had North been interested in hearing a major from you, he would have cue-bid two diamonds.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA J 8 3 uK 5 vK Q 10 7 wK 10 9

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2w Pass

2x Pass 2NT Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. Bid three no trump.

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