bridge

bridge

Weekly quiz answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 9 5 uK 8 3 vA K 10 2 wK 9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2v Pass

3v Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. You have a nice hand but it is still a minimum two-over-one response. Use the Principle of Fast Arrival and jump to four spades.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x9 4 uVoid vA Q 7 6 3 wA Q 10 4 3 2

What action do you take?

A. You are certainly going to open, but in which suit. Should we open one club, we reverse with two diamonds next — an awkward action we probably would have to take since there is no reasonable alternative. So, reluctantly, we will open one diamond and hope we can stay out of trouble.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xK Q J 6 u8 vA K J 5 2 wA 10 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. While you have a strong hand in high cards, it is unwise to make a jump shift rebid unless you know where you want to play the hand, and here you have no clue. Bid one spade. Unless partner can act again, we doubt the hand will produce enough tricks for game.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA Q 7 6 uQ 9 8 4 2 vA 9 w8 2

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1u Pass

2NT Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Slam beckons, but there is no need to do anything more than continue to describe your holding to probe for the best final contract. Bid three spades.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK Q 7 6 4 3 2 u9 7 6 vQ 10 2 wVoid

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1x Pass

2v Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Although your club void is no asset, your diamonds fragment has become powerful — there could easily be a slam if partner has some spades and a heart control. To tell him you do not need much help, jump to three spades now.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xA Q J 10 3 uA Q 10 9 2 vA J 4 wVoid

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2v Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. Do not go jumping around, squandering bidding space. You might need all the room to investigate the possibilities fully, so start with a simple two hearts. Since a change of suit by opener after a two-over-one response is an absolute force, there is no danger the auction will get dropped there.

2012 Tribune Media Services