BRIDGE
BRIDGE
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xK Q uK 7 vK J 9 8 3 w9 7 6 5
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1v 1u Dbl- 2u
?
-Negative, values with no clear bid
What call would you make?
A. This hand, with most of its values in the short suits, is not worth a free bid at the three level. Pass. Partner will act again if it’s right to compete further.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xVoid uA Q 10 5 3 2 vJ 9 2 wQ 9 8 2
Right-hand opponent opens one no trump, 15-17. What call would you make?
A. This is exactly what an overcall of a strong no trump opening should look like -- a good weak two-bid. Bid two hearts.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xQ 4 2 u10 9 8 7 5 4 3 v8 3 wA
As dealer, what call would you make?
A. Pass, quickly. Imagine that you bid hearts and partner leads the king of hearts against three no trump. Neither the hand nor the suit are worth an opening bid at any level.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
x7 uJ 8 7 4 vA 10 9 8 7 4 3 wK
Right-hand opponent opens one club. What call would you make?
A. A potential pre-emptive hand usually has flaws, and you can easily find reasons to pass. Good players look for reasons to bid. Bid three diamonds.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xK uK J 10 7 5 3 vK 6 wA K Q 4
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1x Pass
?
What call would you make?
A. A singleton king is often a reason to use caution, but it’s likely to have full value when partner bids the suit. Bid three clubs, forcing to game.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xK 3 2 uA J 10 3 v6 4 wK Q J 7
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1w 1x Dbl- Pass
?
-Negative, values with no clear bid
What call would you make?
A. It’s tempting to bid one no trump with a balanced hand and the king of spades, but we would bid two hearts. Left-hand opponent might bid two spades and we want partner to be in the best position to make a decision over that.
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