Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q ♥ QJ4 ♦ 109432 ♣ QJ97 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ 2NT* 3♠ ? *Hearts and clubs, at least 5-5 What call would you make?

A: The opponents are surely headed to at least 4S — a contract you don’t want to defend. Bid 5C, at least. Bidding 6C instead should be given serious consideration.

Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ KJ ♥ AQ1094 ♦ Q105 ♣ QJ6 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Pass Pass Dbl What call would you make?

A: You had a chance to open 1NT and chose not to. You can’t bid it now, as a 1NT bid now would show 18-19 points. Pass.

Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q97 ♥ 854 ♦ AK7654 ♣ 2 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: In the early days of weak two-bids, you weren’t supposed to have a side three-card major, certainly not three to an honor. Those rules were silly. Bid 2D.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 864 ♥ K108 ♦ AK63 ♣ QJ2 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make? A: Jordan 2NT over a double to show a fit with at least invitational values is a popular convention. Bid 2NT. Should partner sign off in 3S, bid 3NT to give him a choice. Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ KJ1053 ♥ AK4 ♦ Q94 ♣ K2 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT Pass What call would you make?

A: You have enough to accept the invitation. Bid 3S on the way to show your fifth spade. It is forcing, so you couldn’t show the fifth spade with a minimum.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 82 ♥ Q652 ♦ AQ8752 ♣ 5 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: The classic hand for a jump to 4H would contain five trumps, a side ace, and a side singleton. This hand is close enough. Bid 4H. Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. Email responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com. © 2018 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.