bridge

bridge

Answers to weekly quiz

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK Q 7 6 uA Q J 8 6 v7 wA K 6

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 1x Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. An already good hand has increased dramatically in value. The best way to tell partner about your powerhouse is to start with a jump shift to three clubs. This action is perfectly safe — even if partner supports clubs vigorously, you can always correct to spades at the same level.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x8 5 4 uA K Q 9 v7 6 2 w8 7 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

1x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. The popular choice likely would be a preference to diamonds or one no trump, and no one can quarrel with the mainstream. However, we have a sneaky admiration for anyone who chooses to rebid two hearts! It is certainly a better suit than many five-carders we have held.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK J 9 2 u8 5 4 vK 7 wK J 6 3

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

A. If you play limit raises, this hand has been lifted straight out of a textbook — jump to three spades. If not, start with two clubs then support spades at your next turn. That does not do justice to your four trumps, but what else can you do?

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA Q 6 5 u8 5 v9 5 4 wA Q 9 8

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1v 2NT Pass

?

What would you bid now?

A. That depends on your methods. Most play that a jump in no trump here is invitational, not forcing but showing 11-12 points. If that is your style, pass. However, if you play it as game force, all you can do with your balanced minimum is raise to three no trump.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA Q 10 7 6 uA Q 10 5 4 v7 w9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2NT Pass

3u Pass 3NT Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. With nothing of value in either minor, insist on playing game in a major. Bid four hearts to complete the description of your holding.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x7 4 2 u9 3 v7 wK J 10 9 6 5 2

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

A. This deal is from a match between Italy and the United States. For the U.S., Edgar Kaplan made the sensible bid of five clubs, which could have been made. The Italians landed in three no trump, which had no play at all.

2012 Tribune Media Services