BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 5 u9 5 vA K 10 3 wJ 7 6 4 3

The bidding has proceeded:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1x Pass 2x 3u

Pass ?

What action do you take?

A. The bidding marks East-West with some 19-20 points combined, so partner is simply contesting the partscore — with a really good hand he would first make a takeout double and then show his suit. Therefore, pass and hope you contribute enough to enable partner to bring home nine tricks!

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xJ 2 u8 7 4 vA J 9 6 5 wA 8 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. We would opt for a slightly conservative two hearts, and be delighted should partner take another bid.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

x5 u10 9 8 3 2 vJ 9 6 5 4 wA 10

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT 2x ?

What action do you take?

A. You do not have much in the way of high cards, but your excellent distribution makes passing distasteful. If you are going to bid, you might as well bid hearts since if partner is maximum and fits your hand well, game might be on. Bid three hearts.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x8 5 u8 vA 7 2 wK Q J 10 7 6 4

The bidding has proceeded:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 2w Pass

2x Pass ?

What do you bid now?

A. Obviously, it is a question between three clubs, an invitational four clubs or a gambling three no trump. While three clubs is a slight underbid, four clubs bypasses three no trump, so we would opt for the conservative course. Bid three clubs.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xQ 10 7 uA K 6 3 vQ J 9 wK J 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2w Pass

2u Pass 3u Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. The answer is the same whether your notrump range is 15-17 or 16-18. With a flat hand and substantial secondary values, pass is the prudent choice.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x8 7 2 uK J 5 v9 5 wA Q 8 5 4

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1u Pass

?

What do you bid now?

A. First, do not even consider two clubs — since you are a passed hand, partner is not compelled to keep the auction going. That leaves a choice between a raise to two hearts and an invitational jump to three hearts. With only three trumps and marginal high-card values, we would be content with two hearts, prepared to act strongly next should partner make a move.

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