BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 9 8 3 2 uA K J 2 vVoid wK J 2

Partner opens one club and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. You may be headed for slam, but you have a lot to do to find the right contract. Don’t waste space by jumping. Bid one spade.

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

xA J 5 4 2 uK Q 3 vJ 5 4 wJ 10

Partner opens one heart and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. You’re probably headed to four hearts, but what’s the rush? Just describe your hand to partner. You never know what might happen. Bid one spade.

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

xA J 8 7 2 uK 7 4 2 v7 wK 6 5

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. You only have 11 high-card points, but it’s attractive to open a hand with nine cards in the majors, and you have an easy rebid. Bid one spade.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 9 6 5 4 3 uA K Q 5 4 vK 7 wVoid

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1w Pass 1v ?

What call would you make?

A. A Michael’s Cue Bid or a takeout double are possible actions, but we prefer to bid out our hand. Bid one spade, planning on bidding hearts next, at the three level if necessary.

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

xA J 3 uA J 4 3 vK J 3 wJ 5 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2u Pass

2x Pass 2NT Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. This is one of the worst hands ever to open a 15-17 no trump. We would pass at our first opportunity, meaning right now. A three-spade bid might be raised. Ugh!

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA K J uQ 4 vJ 7 6 4 wA 7 6 5

Right-hand opponent opens one heart. What call would you make?

A. Don’t even think about one no trump. Even if we had a real heart stopper, one no trump would be a poor choice with shortness in hearts. It’s much better to double.

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