BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x4 3 uA 8 6 5 4 vJ 10 wK 10 8 4

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass 2v- Pass

2u Pass ?

-Transfer to hearts

What call would you make?

A. A three-club bid would be forcing to game, and you’re not quite strong enough to do that. Bid two no trump.

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

x10 9 6 5 u10 5 4 vA Q 6 2 wK 4

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

A. Should you bid one spade and partner rebid two of a minor, your two-heart bid would not be a raise -- just a preference. You want to be encouraging. Bid two hearts.

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

x10 6 3 2 uK J 9 5 vA K 8 5 w3

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

A. Should you and partner employ splinter bids, this would be perfect four-club bid. Failing that, bid two diamonds. Do not bid four spades now. That would show a pre-emptive hand.

Q.Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK 9 7 5 uK 7 5 v9 8 wK 7 5 3

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1w Pass Pass Dbl

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Partner’s balancing double might be a bit shaded as to strength, but you’re still responsible for showing your values. Bid two spades, showing 9-11 points.

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

xA Q uA K J 7 4 vK Q 9 7 w6 2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 1x Pass

?

What call would you make?

A. Were your black-suit holdings reversed, you might rebid two no trump. This hand is a classic strong jump shift. Bid three diamonds.

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

xK J 10 uK J 10 9 vQ 3 wQ 10 9 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x 2v

?

What call would you make?

A. Your minimum opener has gotten worse. Still, it’s important to show support, if you have it, when the auction gets competitive. Bid two spades. A ”support double,” showing exactly three spades, would be even better should you play that convention.

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