Monday, July 17, 2017
BRIDGE
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA 10 3 2 uA Q 9 4 3 vA K 2 wQ
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1NT Pass
?
What call would you make?
A. Bid two spades. That may seem pointless, as partner has denied four spades, but it shows that you have extra values and that you’re not sure that no trump is the right strain. That’s a lot of good information.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
x10 8 4 3 uK 6 5 vA 7 wA 8 5 4
Partner opens two hearts, weak, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?
A. This hand is not strong enough to bid two no trump. Bid three hearts and put a little extra pressure on the opponents.
Q. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
x8 6 5 uA J 3 2 vA Q 4 wA Q 5
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass 2u- Pass
?
-Transfer to spades
What call would you make?
A. You do have a maximum, but with only three-card support and flat distribution, just accept the transfer. Bid two spades.
Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xQ J 7 u6 3 2 vA wK 9 8 7 6 4
As dealer, what call would you make?
A. Had the ace of diamonds been in the club suit, you could consider an opening bid of one club. Pass with this hand.
Q. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA K 10 9 3 2 u9 4 vQ 10 8 wJ 4
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2x Pass 2NT- Pass
?
-Asking
What call would you make?
A. Partner is asking whether you have a minimum or a maximum. You certainly have a maximum, but you have no side ace or king to show as a feature. The important thing is to show the maximum, so do the best you can -- bid three diamonds.
Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
xA Q 4 uA Q 8 7 6 3 2 v10 wQ 3
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 1NT Pass
2u Pass 2NT Pass
3u Pass 3NT Pass
?
What call would you make?
A. You have sent your heart message loud and clear. Respect partner’s decision and pass.
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