Monday, November 28, 2016
BRIDGE
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA K 9 3 u8 vQ 10 7 2 wK 5 4 2
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1u Pass 1NT ?
What call would you make?
A. After a one no trump response on your right, double is a takeout double of the suit bid on your left. Double, for takeout.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA J 8 3 uK 7 4 v5 3 wK J 10 6
Partner opens one diamond and right-hand opponent jumps to two hearts, pre-emptive. What call would you make?
A. No bridge player would be too confident in this situation, but you must soldier on. Make a negative double, hoping to find a spade fit, and continue with three no trump if you don’t find one. Cross your fingers.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA Q 9 8 7 uJ 5 vK Q 9 8 7 wQ
You open one spade, left-hand opponent passes, and partner jumps to three spades, invitational with four-card support. What now?
A. You have a nice hand, but there is no first-round control to cue bid, so don’t press the issue. Bidding four spades is enough.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA K 7 3 u7 vK 7 2 w10 9 5 3 2
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1w 1u Pass ?
What call would you make?
A. You owe partner a bid, so make one. Bid one spade. Despite popular misconceptions, you don’t need five spades to make this bid.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xJ 10 9 4 3 uK v7 3 wK Q J 8 3
Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent makes the natural overcall of two hearts. What call would you make?
A. A useful agreement, in this situation, is that any bid of three of their suit (a cue bid) or higher is forcing. Bid three spades.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA 9 5 uA 9 6 2 v10 wQ J 10 7 4
As dealer, what call would you make?
A. A requirement for opening a light hand is an easy rebid. As long as you’re happy to raise a one spade response to two spades, as we are, then open one club.
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