Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AK4 ♥ 94 ♦ KQJ843 ♣ KQ

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass What call would you make? A: You are too strong for three diamonds and it is usually a bad idea to jump shift into a three-card major. Bid two no-trump. Q2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 8 ♥ KQJ10 ♦ AKQ108 ♣ K75

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♦ Pass 2♦ Pass What call would you make? A: Bid two hearts. Partner has denied a four-card major, so you’re not looking for a heart fit. You’re hoping partner can bid no-trump, or two spades to show strength there. Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A10986 ♥ K1074 ♦ K87 ♣ 10

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? What call would you make?

A: A bid of two hearts would be fourth-suit forcing and create a game force. It would be artificial and not even show hearts. You’re not strong enough to force to game. Bid three diamonds.

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

♠ A76 ♥ 3 ♦ AQJ953 ♣ AK7 With the opponents passing, you open one diamond and partner responds one spade. What is your rebid?

A: This hand is too strong to rebid three diamonds. A jump shift into a three-card minor is acceptable. Bid three clubs.

Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q4 ♥ KJ2 ♦ AQ ♣ J76432 With the opponents passing, you open one club and partner responds one heart. What is your rebid?

A: Your choices are one no-trump, two clubs, or two hearts. All three would get votes in a bidding contest, but we strongly prefer two hearts.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A3 ♥ Q10862 ♦ A8 ♣ AQ65

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♥ Pass Pass 1NT What call would you make?

A: East’s bid in the pass out seat shows 11-14 points. You are just barely good enough for another bid. Bid two clubs.