Goren on Bridge

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

♠ KJ62 ♥ Q6 ♦ KQJ3 ♣ 653

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

A: 1D is the traditional up-the-line response, but many modern players will bypass a diamond suit to bid their major. Neither is wrong, but we would bid 1S.

Q 2: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J954 ♥ 4 ♦ KQ9754 ♣ A9

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: In days gone by, a side four-card major would prevent you from opening with a pre-empt. Those days are gone. Bid 2D, or 1D if that’s your style.

Q 3: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AJ74 ♥ A94 ♦ 43 ♣ Q1063

What call would you make?

A: This hand is only worth an invitation. 3S would promise a five-card suit and 3C would be forcing for one round — you might get too high. Bid 2NT. Q 4: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A74 ♥ 732 ♦ AK2 ♣ 10543 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

A: Some say that a redouble denies a fit. It doesn’t. Redouble now and raise spades next, showing a balanced 10-11 points with exactly three-card support.

Q 5: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A63 ♥ 543 ♦ K952 ♣ J43

Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and right-hand opponent bids 2H. What call would you make?

A: Seems strange with a clear majority of the points, but there is nothing to do. Pass.

Q 6: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 9754 ♥ AK106 ♦ A75 ♣ K2

What call would you make?

A: Partner has made a game try which you want to accept. Bid 3S, not only accepting the invitation, but promising four cards in spades.