BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK J 5 uA K 8 5 vK Q 6 w10 5 4

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

A. Over an opening in any other suit, we would overcall one no trump. After a one club opening, double is a reasonable alternative. Our extra high cards should compensate for our poor distribution.

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

xA 8 uK 10 3 v10 4 wK Q 10 5 3 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Dbl ?

What call would you make?

A. After their takeout double, a two-club bid would not be forcing. Start with redouble to show your strength.

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

xA 6 2 uA K 7 5 3 vVoid wA K 7 4 3

Right-hand opponent opens two diamonds, weak. What call would you make?

A. Two hearts is an underbid, but we have to anticipate a diamond raise on our left. Bid two hearts now, preparing to double next over three, four, or even five diamonds.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 8 7 2 uJ 4 v5 wA K J 10 9 6

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. At different points in bridge history, different actions would have been ”in vogue” with this hand. In the modern game, we like to put the pressure on -- bid three clubs.

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

xQ J 7 6 uK 4 v9 2 wA J 10 8 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1u Pass 1NT ?

What call would you make?

A. A two-club call would not be the worst bid ever made, but the hand isn’t really worth a bid, especially at this vulnerability. Pass.

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

x6 2 u10 4 3 2 vA 9 6 5 3 2 w7

Partner opens one spade and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. You should respond to partner’s opening whenever you hold an ace, even if you have no other points. Bid one no trump.

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