BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA 7 5 4 u9 6 5 vA 9 6 wA J 3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1u Pass

?

What is your rebid?

A. Some would choose one no trump with such a balanced hand, but we might struggle in that contract with partner holding 4-4 in the majors and a weak hand. Bid one spade.

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

x8 uA 4 vA J 9 8 6 wA J 9 4 3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v 1x Pass 2x

?

What call would you make?

A. Hands with 5-5 or better distribution have great possibilities and should be bid aggressively. Bid three clubs.

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

xK 6 3 uA vA K Q 9 8 4 wK 10 5

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 2v- Pass

2NT Pass ?

-Strong jump shift

What call would you make?

A. We want to ask for aces and a bid of four no trump would be a quantitative raise here. Bid four clubs, Gerber. That’s how to ask for aces when a jump to four no trump is a natural bid.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x10 uJ 7 5 vK Q 7 5 wA K 8 6 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1x 2x- Pass

?

-Club fit, at least 10 points

What call would you make?

A. We like this hand and the way to convey that to partner is to bid past three clubs. Bid three diamonds.

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

xJ 10 8 7 5 2 u8 7 vK 10 7 2 wQ

Partner opens one diamond and right-hand opponent overcalls two clubs. What call would you make?

A. You are too weak for two spades but you want to compete. Double, negative, and decide later whether to bid spades or raise diamonds.

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

xQ 10 7 4 2 uA K vK 6 5 wQ 6 4

With the opponents passing, you open one spade and partner raises to two spades. What call would you make?

A. Pass wouldn’t be terrible, but we think the hand is worth one try. Bid three clubs, where you need some help.

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