BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xQ 8 3 2 u10 6 5 v10 5 3 wK 10 3

Partner opens two no trump, 20-21, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A. Don’t bother with Stayman with this flat hand. Just bid three no trump.

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

xJ 10 7 3 uK Q 10 8 5 3 vK 10 w8

As dealer, what call would you make?

A. Should you decide to pass because of your four-card spade suit, you’ll be gifting your opponents the one and the two level. Forget about the thank you note and bid two hearts.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xA J 10 9 8 7 5 uK J 10 7 v8 wQ

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2v 3w 5v ?

What call would you make?

A. They are trying to steal from us, but what are they stealing? We don’t know, but we’re not going down without a fight. Bid five spades.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

x7 5 uA 10 8 3 v10 9 2 wA K Q 8

Right-hand opponent opens one diamond. What call would you make?

A. If your hearts looked like your clubs, you could overcall on your strong four-card suit. As it is, just pass. Double without spade support is asking for trouble.

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

xJ uK Q 9 8 7 v9 6 4 wK 5 3 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1x Pass 1NT Pass

2v Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Passing would not be terrible, but we would want to give that heart suit one chance. We’d prefer to have six of them, but this will have to do. Bid two hearts.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

xK J uA 6 4 vJ 9 7 4 2 wA 10 6

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 1v Pass

1u Pass ?

What call would you make?

A. Some experts play that one spade here is forcing for one round and shows four spades, and a jump to two spades is a game force denying four spades. Let them have their fun. Bid three no trump.

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