BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK 10 7 5 uK J 8 5 vJ 8 2 w7 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1u Pass

2NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. A new minor forcing bid of three diamonds is reserved for hands with five cards in your major, with perhaps four cards in the other major as well. Bid three spades, showing 4-4 in the majors and denying a fifth heart.

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

xA Q 5 u10 7 3 vK wA 10 9 5 4 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. This will be a nice dummy for partner even if he has only four spades. Bid two spades.

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

x10 2 uA 10 3 vA J 9 8 7 6 w9 7

Right-hand opponent opens one diamond promising three or more diamonds. What call would you make?

A. Two diamonds would not be a natural bid, so that’s out. Three diamonds would be natural, but shows a bigger suit. Pass, the normal action when they bid your best suit.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x8 7 5 uJ 3 vA K Q 9 7 3 2 w10

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. Should you play the Gambling Three No Trump, showing a long solid minor suit with nothing outside, this would be a good time to use it. Failing that, bid one diamond. Don’t pre-empt with a solid suit, as partner won’t bid aggressively with a misfit.

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

xVoid uA 9 8 7 vK J 8 2 wA 9 8 7 2

Partner opens one no trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What’s your plan?

A. Start with Stayman and continue with three clubs if no heart fit is found. This bid is natural and forcing, showing at least some slam interest.

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

xK 9 8 4 uA K 6 4 vA Q 7 w7 6

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2u- Pass

?

-Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A. Jump to three spades, showing a maximum with four-card support. This hand is well worth 17 points, maybe more, in support of spades.

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