Goren on Bridge

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

♠ K764 ♥ AJ4 ♦ A7 ♣ A852 Right-hand opponent opens 2H, weak. What call would you make?

A: Double might get to a nice spade contract, but it might also get you to an ugly diamond contract. 2NT is a better bid. Bid 2NT.

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

♠ 108764 ♥ AKQ ♦ KJ ♣ 986 Right-hand opponent opens 1C. What call would you make?

A: Overcalling on such a poor suit will not appeal to some, but you would open the bidding 1S with this hand. You should overcall as well. Bid 1S.

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

♠ KQ5 ♥ A973 ♦ 7 ♣ KJ1075

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♣ Pass 1♠ Pass

What call would you make?

A: This hand is worth a raise to 3S, but you must have four trumps for that bid. Bid 2S.

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

♠ A985 ♥ K9 ♦ 7643 ♣ A83

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass

2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Forget about no-trump. This is a good hand for hearts. 3H or 4H? We like 3H.

Q5: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A4 ♥ QJ5 ♦ KQ9853 ♣ 87

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1♥ 2♦ Dbl* 2♠

Pass ?

*Negative

What call would you make?

A: 2NT might grab the brass ring, but it might blow

up in your face. Bid 3D. It is safer and more descriptive.

Q6: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J106 ♥ K1087643 ♦ 5 ♣ 97

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Opening 3H is a bit too aggressive. At this vulnerability it is acceptable to have an extra card for a weak two-bid. Open 2H.

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.

© 2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.