BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x10 u10 7 3 vA K 10 6 4 wK 9 8 2

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

A. Some experts have methods for hands like these, but most of us have to bid three no trump and hope partner has suitable cards in the majors. A good partner will have them!

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

xA 2 uJ 7 6 5 4 vA 7 5 wJ 6 4

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 1NT Pass

3w Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Partner’s jump shift has created a game force, so a simple three spade preference is fine for now. Should partner continue with four clubs, you will cue bid your ace of diamonds.

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

xVoid u4 3 v9 7 5 2 wA Q 10 9 6 5 2

Right-hand opponent deals and passes. What call would you make?

A. If partner were also a passed hand, you should open five clubs as you’re unlikely to be able to defeat four of a major should the opponents bid it. Open three clubs in this position.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ J 7 3 u8 2 vQ 9 7 2 wQ 4 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT 2u ?

What call would you make?

A. This type of hand bedeviled players for decades. Experts today use a double in this position as negative, not penalty. It’s a good idea. Double.

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

xA 4 uQ 10 vA J 9 5 wA K 9 5 4

Right-hand opponent opens two hearts, weak. What call would you make?

A. It’s tempting to double, but that’s asking for trouble with only two spades. We like the slight underbid of three clubs.

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

x2 uQ 9 8 2 vVoid wA K Q 8 7 4 3 2

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. Don’t worry about the four-card major. This hand is all about the clubs. Open five clubs.

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