BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 5 uK Q 7 2 vA Q J 4 2 wJ 3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. Two hearts shows more points, one no trump shows at most 14 points, and two diamonds shows six. No perfect answer. A one no trump opening bid might have been better, but the best choice now, in our opinion, is one no trump.

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

xA K Q J 9 6 5 4 u4 3 vK 7 wK

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1w Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. A jump to two spades, in this position, would show a good hand, but partner can’t be expected to raise aggressively with a spade void. Make a New York game try -- bid game, try to make it! Bid four spades.

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

xQ 9 8 3 2 uJ vA Q 10 6 w10 8 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass 2u- Pass

2x Pass ?

-Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A - You have barely enough for a game force. Put in the extra effort to get to the right game. Bid three diamonds.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x9 uQ 5 2 vA K J 10 6 wA Q J 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT Pass 2u- ?

-Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A. Double would show strong hearts. You want to make a takeout bid of spades. The bid that sends that message is two spades.

Q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 7 6 4 3 uVoid vJ 10 6 4 wJ 7 6 4

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

A. Even at this vulnerability, you would never allow the opponents to play in four hearts. You would always compete to four spades. Do it right away. Bid four spades.

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

xJ 8 6 3 uJ 7 5 3 vJ 8 7 3 wJ

Partner opens two no trump, 20-21, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. We have a feeling that pass is the winning action. Should you choose to bid on, fair enough, but use Stayman and hope for a major-suit fit. Bid three clubs.

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