bridge

bridge

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 6 uQ J 9 6 5 vQ J 6 wQ J 5

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

A. This is undoubtedly the worst nine points you could hold, and game is unlikely unless partner has a super-maximum. Either transfer to two hearts or bid two hearts, whatever your methods. You might have a further problem if partner invites in hearts.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 5 u10 6 3 vK Q 6 wA J 8 7 3

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

A. If you have a way to show an invitational raise with only three trumps, this is the hand for that. If not, a conservative raise to two hearts is your only option.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 6 3 uA 6 3 v10 7 wA K J 9 4

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. You have a dead minimum opening bid and so should do as little as possible to encourage partner. Rebid two clubs. If partner cannot take further action, this hand is going nowhere.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA K 9 7 4 uA Q 6 vK J 9 w5 2

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2x Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. Your hand is worth another bid, and it is a matter of whether you should accent your all-round strength by bidding two no trump or by probing for possible diamond support from partner, in which case four spades could be the better spot. We like three diamonds and see how partner reacts.

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

xA Q 8 5 u9 vA 10 6 3 wA J 9 5

Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with one diamond. What action do you take?

A. You have been fixed. There are those who say that when you have been fixed, stay fixed and so pass. However, we have sympathy for those who overcall one spade and hope nothing bad happens.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 9 5 uA K 8 7 2 v9 5 wK J 7

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2u Pass

2x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You have the equivalent of an opening bid and support for his suit. There is no point to wasting time. Jump to four spades — partner should have play for that.

2012 Tribune Media Services