Puzzles
Saturday’s N.Y. Times answers
Bridge (Bob Jones) — Weekly bridge quiz answers
Q 1 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠AQ7653 ♥Void ♦J84 ♣9862
NORTH 1♥ / EAST Pass / SOUTH 1♠ / WEST 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: ♠AKQ63 ♥65 ♦1083 ♣985
NORTH 1♣ / EAST Pass / SOUTH 1♠ / WEST 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: ♠Q65 ♥3 ♦QJ5432 ♣1072
WEST 1♣ / NORTH 1♠ / EAST 2♦ / SOUTH ?
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: ♠A4 ♥Q102 ♦A753 ♣J643
NORTH 1♣ / EAST Pass / SOUTH 1♥ / WEST 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: ♠J987 ♥AKJ943 ♦3 ♣A9
SOUTH 1♥ / WEST Dbl / NORTH Pass / EAST 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 ♥A86532 ♦Q7 ♣Q1076
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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Saturday’s N.Y. Times answers