Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you

hold:

♠ Q8754 ♥ 10 7 ♦ 953 ♣ K 10 4

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

A: Charles Goren recommended having at least six points to respond to an opening bid, but modern players will respond with five. Bid 1S.

Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ KQ5 ♥ J 10 5 4 ♦ Q76 ♣ J63 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1 ♣ Pass 1 ♥ Pass

2 ♥ Pass Pass 3 ♣

Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Don’t take the push to the three level with a balanced hand. If you want to bid again, the right call is double. Partner can bid 3H with shape. Double.

Q 3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 8 ♥ AKQ64 ♦ 975 ♣ J 10 5 4

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: No one could fault you if you pass, but modern players, more and more, are opening 2H with very good suits like this. We like it! Bid 2H.

Q 4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 43 ♥ A K Q 10 6 ♦ A6 ♣ AJ73

Right-hand opponent opens 3S.

What call would you make?

A: Double keeps 3NT alive, as well as a penalty pass by partner. We like the more descriptive call of 4H, showing where we live.

Q 5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A K 10 6 5 ♥ J ♦ J86 ♣ K 10 5 3 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1 ♥ Pass 1 ♠ Pass

3 ♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Do not go slamming with a potential misfit. Choose between 3NT and 4H. It’s close, but we like 3NT.

Q 6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J985 ♥ QJ5 ♦ A73 ♣ J64 EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

2 ♥ Pass Pass 3 ♦

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: 3NT might work, but it might also prevent partner from balancing ever again. Give him some room and pass.

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