The Bridge Column

Q1 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A 6 ♥ A K 2 ♦ A K 10 9 8 2 ♣ Q 6 As dealer, what call would you make? A— Should you open 1D, you will have an impossible rebid over a response of 1H or 1S. Better to open 2NT.

Q2 — North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J 7 ♥ A Q 4 2 ♦ Q J 5 4 ♣ K J 10 With the opponents passing, you open one diamond and partner raises to three diamonds, invitational. What call would you make? A— Bid 3H. Partner has denied a four-card major, so you’re not looking for a fit. You’re just showing heart strength. You can’t barge into 3NT with just the jack doubleton of spades.

Q South, ♠ Q 3 6 — 4 East-West you ♥ K hold: Q 5 ♦ vulnerable, Q 10 5 2 ♣ J as 5 3 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2♠ 3♥ Pass ? What call would you make? A— The queen of spades is probably of no value, but we would bid 4H anyway. We like the three good trumps and the potentially useful side suit.

Q 4 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A Q J 10 9 6 4 ♥ A K 7 6 3 ♦ Void ♣ 10

As dealer, what call would you make? A— This hand would qualify as “game in hand,” but it is not worth an opening bid of 2C. Bid 1S.

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