Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 106 ♥ AQ3 ♦ 10 ♣ J1087432

Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent bids 2D, pre-emptive. What call would you make?

A: Get it up there fast, before the opponents can share any more information. Bid 5C. Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 8 ♥ QJ986 ♦ 95 ♣ AKQ102

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♥ Pass 2♦ Pass

What call would you make?

A: Bidding 3C, or “breaking the three level”, requires a little extra and this hand doesn’t have it. Bid 2H. It’s OK to rebid a five-card suit in this situation.

Q 3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AQ5 ♥ J973 ♦ AJ93 ♣ AQ

Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Should you and partner play that 2NT shows a game-forcing heart raise, then that’s the bid. Without that agreement, start with 2D.

Q 4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ QJ10 ♥ K52 ♦ J10872 ♣ 87

Partner opens 1D and right-hand opponent makes a takeout double. What call would you make? A: 3D would be pre-emptive and the hand is too strong for that. Bid 2D, and be prepared to compete to the three level if necessary. Q 5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AK4 ♥ AQJ4 ♦ 1098 ♣ KJ2 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass

What call would you make?

A: A little light for 4H and a little heavy for 3H. Neither would be terrible, but we like 2NT. Should partner pass, we probably don’t have a game. We’ll correct to hearts if he bids again. Q 6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 872 ♥ 86543 ♦ 542 ♣ KQ NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass

2NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: You might have a game on a magical day but looking for magic at bridge is the road to minus scores. Pass 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.

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