BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 10 uQ 10 9 5 vA 9 7 6 w7 5

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x 2w ?

What call would you make?

A. You could just raise spades, but a 4-4 heart fit will play better, if there is one. This hand is just barely strong enough to look for it. Make a negative double, then bid spades next if you don’t find a heart fit.

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

x9 7 u6 5 4 3 vA 9 2 wK 9 7 6

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. A 4-4 heart fit will play nicely, if you have one, but this hand isn’t strong enough to look for it. Pass.

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

xA 10 9 7 uQ 9 7 3 vK Q J w6 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v 2u 3v Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. This might not be your best spot, but there is nothing you can do about it with such a minimum. Pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 3 uA Q 6 5 2 vA J 8 4 2 wK

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 1x Pass

2v Pass 3u Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. Partner’s sequence is invitational. The singleton king might not be worth much, but it would be cowardly to pass with this hand. Bid four hearts.

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

xQ 7 uA 10 4 3 vK Q 6 wQ J 8 3

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

A. There’s a vulnerable game bonus just sitting there. Don’t be a wimp! Bid four spades.

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

xA Q 2 uA K 9 5 vQ wA K 8 6 5

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. Some will want to open two clubs, but that’s a bad idea with a two-suited hand. It is much better to open one club.

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