BRIDGE

BRIDGE

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

x8 uA 10 9 2 vK Q 10 9 5 wA Q 5

Partner opens two spades, weak, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Pass, quickly. Maybe left-hand opponent will bid. Don’t go chasing a miracle three no trump. You’ll go minus 10 times for every success.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA Q 9 8 7 u9 8 6 4 2 vQ 7 w7

Right-hand opponent opens one no trump, 15-17. What call would you make?

A. Should you and your partner have a conventional bid that shows both majors, this would be a good time to use it. Failing that, the spade suit is too weak to bid. Pass.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA 8 7 5 3 uA K J 10 3 v5 3 wK

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 4u- Pass

?

-Splinter bid, a raise to game with at least four spades and at most one heart.

What call would you make?

A. There are things to like about this hand, but weak trumps and most of your strength opposite a singleton are good reasons to go low. Bid four spades.

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

x10 6 u8 5 3 vJ 9 wA Q J 8 7 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Should two clubs be available as a natural bid, by all means bid it. Most pairs, however use a two-club bid over one no trump as conventional. If that’s the case with you, pass.

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

xA 9 8 uA J 9 2 vA 10 9 5 4 w8

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

A. You have a massive diamond fit, but it is still important to bid one heart in case you also have a heart fit. You can raise diamonds later.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x10 8 uA 8 4 2 vJ 10 6 5 4 wQ 4

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17. What call would you make?

A. This hand is not strong enough to look for a heart fit via Stayman. There is no safety if you don’t find a heart fit. Pass.

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