Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ QJ10 ♥ Q5 ♦ 7 ♣ KJ109742 Right-hand opponent opens one heart. What call would you make?

A: We suspect that many readers will choose two clubs, which would not be a sin. We prefer to increase the pressure with this low-defense hand. Bid three clubs.

Q 2: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AJ92 ♥ AQ953 ♦ 97 ♣ K2

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass What call would you make? A: Experts disagree. Old timers want a two-spade rebid here to show extras. Many modern experts don’t agree. Let’s be modern. Bid two spades. Q3: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K974 ♥ KJ64 ♦ 9 ♣ QJ98

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ Pass 2 ♦* ? *Decent hand, forcing to at least 3D What call would you make?

A: If you wait for them to sign off in three diamonds before you double, partner will have to bid at the three level. Double now and partner will only bid at the three level if he wants to.

Q4: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J ♥ J ♦ AK1086532 ♣ AJ8 Two passes to you. What call would you make?

A: Were partner not a passed hand, we would open one diamond. Here it is too likely that the opponents will outbid you in a major, maybe to game. Open five diamonds.

Q5: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10764 ♥ A832 ♦ Q953 ♣ 3 Partner opens one no-trump and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Bid two clubs, Stayman, and pass any response, even two diamonds. Should partner bid two of a major, do not raise.

Q6: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 53 ♥ AQ9832 ♦ AJ5 ♣ 82 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: One heart or two hearts? This is an easy one. Bid one heart.