Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 763 ♥ K82 ♦ J86 ♣ KQJ2 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♠ 3♦ Dbl* ? *Negative, values with no clear bid What call would you make?

A: Will you defend four of a major if the opponents want to play there? If yes, then pass or bid four diamonds. If no, bid five diamonds right away. We think it’s very close.

Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AKQ10 ♥ J764 ♦ K1093 ♣ 8 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♥ 2♣ What call would you make?

A: Four clubs would be a splinter bid, promising four-card heart support and short clubs, but it would also promise a better hand. This hand isn’t good enough. Bid three hearts.

Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J863 ♥ QJ ♦ A542 ♣ A62 Partner opens one club and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: People bid “up the line” for many decades, and they would bid one diamond. Many modern players would bid one spade. Neither is wrong, just be “as one” with partner.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q98 ♥ K10764 ♦ A104 ♣ Q9

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

A: This hand is worth an invitation. Should partner have raised you with only three-card support, he’ll have a problem knowing what to do. Bid three hearts, promising a fifth heart.

Q5: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A2 ♥ Void ♦ AKQ9752 ♣ Q1075 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ 1♠ 2♥ Pass What call would you make? A: Partner’s bid in your void suit is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. Don’t do anything aggressive. Bid three diamonds. Second choice — three clubs. Q6: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10542 ♥ K9 ♦ J42 ♣ KQ73 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ Dbl Pass ? What call would you make?

A: A jump in response to a takeout double shows 9-11 points. It does not promise a five-card suit, or a good suit. Bid two spades.