GOREN Bridge

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ ANSWERS

Q 1 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A Q 7 6 5 3 ♥ Void ♦ J 8 4 ♣ 9 8 6 2

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 3♥ Pass ? What call would you make?

A - A 3S bid might work, but it could also lead to disaster. When the hands are a misfit, it is usually right to stop bidding before the doubling starts. Pass.

Q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A K Q 6 5 ♥ 6 5 ♦ 10 8 3 ♣ 9 8 5

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ? What call would you make?

A - Partner has made a reverse bid, showing extras — 17 points or more. Your first duty is to show a fifth card in your major, so bid 2S. This is forcing. Should partner show no interest in spades or no trump, your club fit should be adequate for play in that strain.

Q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q 6 5 ♥ Q ♦ J 5 4 3 2 ♣ 10 7 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♣ 1♠ 2♥ ? What call would you make?

A - When the auction is competitive, the most important thing you can do is show support for partner. Your assets are meager, but they are worth a raise. Bid 2S.

Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 4 ♥ Q 10 2 ♦ A 7 5 3 ♣ J 6 4 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♦ Pass 1NT Pass ? What call would you make?

A - Partner has at most 14 points, so game is unlikely. This hand should play well in no trump, so ignore the club fit. Pass. A raise in no trump might strike gold, but it is against the odds.

Q 5 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J 9 8 7 ♥ A K J 9 4 3 ♦ 3 ♣ A

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Dbl Pass 2♣ ? What call would you make?

A - Partner couldn't bid so neither should you. They have you outgunned on this one. Pass.

Q 6 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 5 ♥ A 8 6 5 3 2 ♦ Q 7 ♣ Q 10 7 6

Right-hand opponent opens one no trump. What call would you make?

A - The most important requirement for overcalling a 1NT opening is a good suit. This hand doesn't have one. Pass.

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