Monday, March 18, 2013
BRIDGE
Weekly Quiz Answers
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
x10 9 7 uK 9 6 5 2 vK 10 9 8 4 wVoid
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1w 1u 3w* ?
*pre-emptive
What action do you take?
A. You should make it as difficult as possible for the opponents to describe their hands while you are looking for a safe spot. How high? We like four hearts.
Q. Vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA K Q 8 7 uA K 7 3 vVoid wA J 9 3
Partner opens the bidding with three no trump, showing a solid seven-card minor and no stopper in any other suit. What do you bid now?
A. You can count 13 tricks — three spades two hearts, one club and seven diamonds. However, you do not necessarily have them at no trump since you probably do not have an entry to partner’s hand. Bid seven diamonds.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xK 5 u9 8 4 v8 4 3 wA K Q 8 3
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x Pass 2w Pass
2v Pass ?
A. You have a choice between two flawed actions — a fourth-suit forcing bid of two hearts or a spade raise with only a doubleton. To use the fourth suit only postpones the problem — what do you intend bidding should partner bid two no trump or three clubs? We prefer the raise. Surely K x is as good as three low cards in the suit.
Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:
xK Q 9 8 4 uJ 7 6 vA Q wA J 5
What is your opening bid?
A. Not too long ago we would have opened one in our five-card major. Recently, there has been a raft of hands where nine tricks only are available in either the major or notrump. Your best shot at a good score is to start with one no trump.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA Q J 9 6 uK Q 10 9 5 vVoid wQ 8 7
Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with one no trump. What action do you take?
A. If you have an overcall that shows a major two-suiter, here’s a chance to see if that gadget works. If not, bid two spades now and hope you get a chance to show your other suit.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
x10 uQ J 7 4 vA Q 7 2 wK 9 5 3
Your right-hand opponent opens the bidding with a weak two spades. What action do you take?
A. While you are a trifle light to force partner to bid at the three-level (a few intermediate cards would make the holding more palatable), you do have the perfect shape for a takeout double, so don’t be a coward — double.
2013 Tribune Media Services