bridge

bridge

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA Q uK 9 5 vQ 9 8 3 wJ 7 6 2

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1x Pass Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. In the immediate seat, you do not have enough to double for takeout since you do not have a good enough holding in hearts. In the balancing seat, you may balance with one notrump. With 15-18 points and the enemy suit stopped, you would start with a double.

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

xA J 10 7 6 5 uK 9 v10 9 4 w7 5

Your right-hand opponent opens with one heart. What action do you take?

A. Bid one spade.

Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 5 uK 10 9 6 2 vVoid wQ J 9 6 4 2

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

Pass Pass 1x Pass

2v Pass 2x Pass

Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. With the opponents bidding having suggested they do not have much of an advantage in high cards, it is time for you to tell partner you would like to compete in the auction. Bid two no trump! Your silence to this point makes it clear you intend it as a takeout for the unbid suits.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA J 9 3 u9 4 vK Q J 6 3 w8 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x 2u 3v 3u

3x 4u 4x 5u

5x 6u ?

What action do you take?

A. To prevent an accident, double now. Should you pass, partner might think that you are inviting him to bid slam with second-round heart control.

Q. As West, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 7 uA K 4 vQ 7 4 3 wQ J 10 6

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2x Pass

4x Pass Pass Pass

What is your opening lead?

A. Let’s presume partner has a sure defensive trick. You will still need three tricks to defeat the contract, and your best chance is in clubs. That means you might need two entries to establish and cash a club, so lead clubs.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x6 5 2 uA 9 7 v7 4 3 w10 9 6 5

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1x Pass 3w 3u

3x Pass 4x Pass

6x Pass Pass Dbl

Pass Pass Pass

What is your opening lead?

A. The one lead partner is not inviting is a heart — you would lead that suit if he had simply passed. What he wants is for you to lead the suit bid by dummy — so oblige and don’t even think of first cashing the ace of hearts. Lead a club.

2012 Tribune Media Services