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Weekly Quiz answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA 9 5 u10 7 6 vA 8 7 4 wA K 4

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 4u Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. Yes, you have a hand rich in controls, but it is still a minimum notrump opening. Even if partner is going to produce seven playing tricks, you still have only a combined 11. Pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xQ J 9 4 u8 6 vK 9 5 4 2 wJ 6

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1v Pass

1u Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. We see no reason not to bid one spade — at the one-level the fourth suit is natural, not forcing.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

x9 7 uA 8 7 2 vA J 10 6 3 wA 8

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Partner’s response has improved your hand considerably, but it is a whit short of the values for a jump raise. Bid two hearts. Unless partner can bid again you are in the right contract.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA J 7 6 3 u9 5 vK 8 4 w8 7 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1u Dbl ?

What do you bid now?

A. Your spades behind East’s double strengthens your hand, but not enough to do anything rash. For the moment, just ignore East’s double and make your normal response of one spade, and see what develops.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK J 10 7 u9 5 3 v8 6 3 wA Q 5

The bidding has proceeded

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1x Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. In terms of high cards you have a borderline jump raise to three spades. However, your flat hand is a liability, and we advise caution. Raise to two spades, but proceed to game if partner shows any sign of life.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK 10 7 6 2 u8 vA 8 7 3 wJ 8 2

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

A. You have the values to make game try, and the best way to start is with a Stayman inquiry. If partner responds in spades, we would venture to game. If he bids anything else, bid two spades as game try.

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