Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AJ ♥ K1092 ♦ A10752 ♣ 102 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST Pass Pass 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass ? What call would you make?

A: You have a minimum with no hope for game opposite a passed hand. Even so, you cannot pass without three-card support for partner. Bid one notrump.

Q2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ KQJ9 ♥ A953 ♦ K4 ♣ A108 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1NT Pass 2 ♦* Pass *Transfer to hearts What call would you make?

A: This hand is worth more than 17 points in support of hearts. You must let partner know that, or a game might be missed. Jump to three hearts.

Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AKQJ2 ♥ 53 ♦ Q6 ♣ Q954 With the opponents passing, partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and partner rebids two hearts. What call would you make?

A: Partner has six or more hearts, so give up on your spades. Bid four hearts.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 1098 ♥ AJ9872 ♦ 43 ♣ K4 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2♥ Pass 2NT Pass What call would you make?

A: Partner is asking minimum or maximum, not for a feature — a common misconception. This hand is close. If you judge it a minimum, bid three hearts. Bid three clubs if you think it’s a maximum. We like three clubs.

Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A102 ♥ 10 ♦ K63 ♣ AQJ654 With the opponents passing, you open one club and partner responds one spade. What call would you make?

A: The one spade response has improved this hand slightly. Bid three clubs.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A654 ♥ AJ105 ♦ 7 ♣ A985 EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♦ Dbl Pass 2♣ 2♦ ? What call would you make?

A: Doubling and then bidding again usually shows 18 points or more. But raising partner after continuing competition requires only 14 with four-card support. Bid three clubs.