BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xJ 5 u7 5 3 vA K wK Q J 10 3 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. One no trump here would not be the worst bid ever made, but we strongly prefer to keep describing our hand to partner. Bid two clubs.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 8 5 4 uK 8 6 5 vA 8 2 wK 7

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 1u Pass

2u Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. There is some chance that partner has raised with only three-card support. Bid three no trump. Partner will go back to hearts if he has four-card support.

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

xA K 10 8 6 u10 3 vA J 3 wJ 8 4

Right-hand opponent opens three diamonds. What call would you make?

A. It is quite dangerous to overcall at the three level with this modest hand, but the opponents will rob you blind if you don’t. Bid three spades.

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

xA K Q 2 u7 vA K 5 3 wA J 8 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1u Pass 1x ?

What call would you make?

A. Partner is probably broke, but you can’t go down without a fight. Double. You can compete to the three level opposite any hand that holds a four-card minor.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x5 4 uA K 8 2 v10 9 5 3 w9 8 5

Partner opens one diamond and right-hand opponent doubles, for takeout. What call would you make?

A. An opponent’s double gives you some options that you wouldn’t have without it, but most of the time you just ignore the double and make your natural call. Bid one heart.

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

xA Q 9 6 3 uQ 5 2 vK 6 w10 6 4

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1w 1x Dbl- 2w

Dbl ?

-Negative, values with no clear bid

What call would you make?

A. Despite all the action from your opponents, partner’s cue bid has shown a spade fit with at least 10-11 points. You should reject his invitation by simply going back to your known fit at the lowest possible level. Bid two spades.

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