BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK J 5 uA 7 4 vA 9 4 wJ 9 7 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1u 1x Pass

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What call would you make?

A. Partner has promised at least five spades -- he would have made a negative double with only four. Despite the completely balanced nature of your hand, bid two spades.

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

xK Q 9 7 6 4 3 uA vK J 9 w6 3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 1NT Pass

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What call would you make?

A. There are only 13 high-card points, but this hand is well worth a jump rebid. Bid three spades. We know some wild men who would bid four spades.

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

xQ J 6 5 uA 2 vQ 9 6 wK 8 5 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1u Dbl- 2u

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-Negative, values with no clear bid

What call would you make?

A. This is a command performance. After the negative double, you must compete to two spades whenever you have four of them, even with a dead minimum. Bid two spades.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 10 8 uK J 9 7 4 2 v10 9 4 w10

Partner passes and so does right-hand opponent. What call would you make?

A. Partner is a passed hand and you have only five points. The opponents are almost surely cold for game. Do your best to get in their way. Bid two hearts.

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

xA K 10 8 u8 7 6 5 2 v4 2 wA 9

Partner passes and so does right-hand opponent. What call would you make?

A. Partner may be quite weak and it’s possible that the opponents will outbid you on this hand. Open one spade. You don’t want a heart lead if partner ends up on lead.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA Q 9 8 6 2 uA Q J 10 v10 wA 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 1NT Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. This is an excellent hand, but it is not quite worth a jump to three hearts. Bid two hearts.

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