Goren on Bridge

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

♠ Q1042 ♥ J64 ♦ 32 ♣ K742

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♣ 1♥ Dbl* ? *Negative

What call would you make?

A: There are arguments for passing, but we think raising partner to the two level, when you can, is mandatory. Bid 2H.

Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J9853 ♥ 106 ♦ K104 ♣ K75

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

A: This hand is just shy of the values to make a bid. Pass.

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

♠ AK105 ♥ K6 ♦ AQ1064 ♣ 53

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ Pass 1♥ ?

What call would you make?

A: An opponent has bid one of your suits, but you have one suit left and a hand too good to pass. Bid 1S.

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

♠ A10653 ♥ 95 ♦ K5 ♣ KQ98

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♥ Pass 1♠ 2♣

2♦ 3♣ ?

What call would you make?

A: Bidding 3NT might work well, but we prefer to issue a speeding ticket. Double.

Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A865 ♥ 8 ♦ Q43 ♣ Q8653

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

A: This hand is just barely good enough to invite game. Bid 2C to check for a spade fit and continue with 2NT if you don’t find one.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q6 ♥ AJ3 ♦ A8653 ♣ 1072

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ 1♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Had partner opened 1S, you would have to make an invitational bid with this hand. That is not as important after partner’s overcall. Bid 1NT.

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