bridge

bridge

Answers to weekly quiz:

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA K uA K 10 7 6 3 2 vA 8 w9 6

What is your opening bid?

A. Your 18 HCP all prime 3-4 loser hand is far too strong to open one heart — what do you intend to rebid over almost any response you get? We would avoid this problem by opening two clubs, and now we can simply bid hearts over any action by partner.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA Q 7 uA K Q 6 5 2 v9 7 2 w7

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 2u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. It is tempting to bid game, but there are too many holdings which would offer no play. We prefer moving toward game and the obvious bid is two spades to see how partner rebids.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x8 7 2 uA K 10 7 6 2 v9 8 wQ 9

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

2u Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. You have an eight-loser hand and there is no reason to assume that partner can cover five of them. The best you can do is make a mild try for game by raising to three hearts, at least setting partner at ease about the heart suit.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x9 7 6 uA 8 vK 7 3 wA Q 7 6 2

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

A. Yes, you have an opening bid but no, we don’t think you have an overcall. You have a seven-loser hand and, if you are going anywhere, partner must have enough to balance in fourth seat. Pass, and see what develops.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K J 7 4 uA 10 8 7 v9 5 4 w6

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

A. We don’t like a takeout double — we are not strong enough to double and then bid a major should partner respond one diamond or one no trump. We would content ourselves with an overcall of one spade and introduce hearts later if the auction permits.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x10 7 u8 5 3 vQ 9 3 wK J 9 8 2

The bidding has proceeded:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT Dbl Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. Why do you want to do anything? Partner’s double of the no-trump opening shows the equivalent of a no-trump bid. With your six points and five-card suit, you know West will find little or nothing in dummy, so let him struggle. Pass.

2012 Tribune Media Services