BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK J 9 7 u5 4 vA J 10 3 wA 9 5

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

A. There is no good bid available. Pass, quickly.

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

xK 8 6 2 uQ 4 vK 7 2 wK 7 5 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1x Pass

2x Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. This hand is worth an invitational bid, but which one? Three spades commits you to spades even if partner has raised with just three and three clubs is best played as forcing. We like two no trump.

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

xA 8 7 u4 2 vA 9 5 2 wQ 9 7 4

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1u Pass 1NT Pass

2u Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. We think that pass will be the long-run winner. It is close, however, so if you choose to bid, we like three hearts rather than two no trump.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 7 6 uQ J 9 6 5 4 vA 9 7 wVoid

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. This hand is well worth an opening bid. Bid one heart. This is not close.

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

xA 9 5 uJ 9 3 vK Q 7 5 4 2 w2

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. Not as clear-cut as the previous question, but we also think this hand is worth an opening bid. Bid one diamond.

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

xK 10 3 u10 vA 8 5 4 3 wA Q J 8

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. We would not object strongly to a two-spade bid, but we prefer two clubs, hoping to bid spades next if we get another bid.

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