BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK 4 uK Q 6 vA K 10 wA 10 9 8 4

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. With all those prime cards, the five-card suit, and the rich intermediates, this hand is easily worth 20-21 points. Open two no trump.

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

xQ uA 10 8 2 vJ 9 6 3 wQ J 10 4

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass 2w Pass

2v Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. It’s disappointing that partner doesn’t have a major -- the opponents have at least nine spades between them. Still, you must soldier on, so bid three no trump and hope for the best.

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

xA J 9 4 u4 vQ 9 wA K Q J 3 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. A jump rebid of opener’s minor at the four level shows a playing strength raise based on four-card support and a big side suit. Perfect! Bid four clubs.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 10 5 uK 10 9 2 v6 3 C-A K 7 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1v 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. After a one-diamond overcall, partner’s bid only promises a four-card suit. Still, this hand is an automatic raise. Bid two spades.

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

xJ 10 8 uK 6 4 v9 4 wA K 9 7 4

Pass-pass-pass to you. Do you, or don’t you?

A. Of course we do. If we want partner to pass this hand in first or second position, we must open it in third or fourth. Bid one club.

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

xK Q 6 3 uK J 9 8 7 6 vQ wJ 9

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u 2v 3v- Pass

?

-Limit raise or better in hearts

What call would you make?

A. Despite only 10 working high-card points, this distribution is too exciting to go timid. Bid four hearts.

2016 Tribune Content Agency