BRIDGE


BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x10 5 2 u10 6 4 3 2 v10 9 8 wA 9

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

A. Most experts will respond anytime they have an ace. This hand, with three 10’s and a five-card major to bid, is clear cut. Bid one heart.

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

xQ J 9 u8 7 4 2 vJ 10 5 4 wK 5

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

A. A one no trump response after an overcall shows a stopper plus a little more than it would without the overcall. This hand barely makes the grade. Bid one no trump.

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

xJ 10 8 uA 9 vJ 5 2 wJ 10 9 5 4

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Looking for a possible game may get you too high. This hand is not quite worth the effort. Pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x8 2 uK 10 2 v5 wK Q 9 8 7 6 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

3w Pass 3x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. Partner’s bid is forcing and you have to do something. The options are all flawed, but we like four spades best.

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

xQ 9 4 2 uQ 6 5 v9 8 7 4 2 w7

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2w Pass 2v Pass

2NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Partner’s sequence shows 22-23, perhaps a ”bad” 24. All of your no trump methods still apply. Bid three clubs, Stayman, looking for a spade fit before settling for three no trump.

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

xK 7 5 4 3 uA Q vK 9 6 4 wJ 10

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2u Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. Bidding three diamonds, known as ”breaking the three level,” shows a little extra, which this hand doesn’t have. The choice is between bidding two no trump or re-bidding that weak spade suit. We like two no trump.

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