BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Weekly Quiz Answers

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 10 7 4 u10 9 5 2 vK wQ 6 5

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1v 1u Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. In a competitive auction, a cue bid in the opponent’s suit shows a limit raise or better. This hand is tough to evaluate, but we like the cue bid. Bid two diamonds.

Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ u10 9 7 2 vA Q 7 4 3 wK 9 2

Partner opens one no trump and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Many things are possible, but don’t make it too complicated. Bid two clubs, looking for a 4-4 heart fit, and then bid either four hearts or three no trump, depending on the response.

Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA J 8 uA 8 3 vJ wA K J 8 5 4

Partner opens three hearts and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Seven hearts to the king and nothing else from partner will give adequate play for a slam. Bid six hearts. Key-card Blackwood is even better, if that is available to you.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 9 7 u6 v10 6 wK J 7 5 3 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1x Pass

1NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. It’s frustrating to pass, knowing that a club part score would be better. Many experts today play a jump to three clubs as showing this type of hand. Don’t spring this on an unsuspecting partner. Pass is the normal call.

Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA 8 6 5 2 uJ 9 6 5 vJ 10 5 3 wVoid

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1w 2v 2x ?

What call would you make?

A. You must raise, but don’t jump to five diamonds with a hand that would happily defend four of either major. Bid four diamonds.

Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK 10 6 2 uQ 9 5 2 vA 9 8 w8 5

Partner opens one no trump and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Despite the excellent intermediate cards, this hand is only worth an invitation, in our opinion. Bid two clubs, Stayman. Should you find a major suit fit, raise to three. Continue with two no trump otherwise.

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