Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you

hold:

♠ A HAK86 ♦ AQ1075 ♣ Q107

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♦ Pass 1♥ 3♠

What call would you make?

A: This hand, in our opinion, is too good to bid 4H. Bid 4S, and bid 6H next if partner gives you 5C.

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

♠ AQJ84 ♥ AJ6 ♦ Q ♣ A875

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

What call would you make?

A: It’s close, but this hand is not good enough for 3C. Bid 2C.

Q 3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AQJ106 ♥ K5 ♦ 108 ♣ KJ64

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass What call would you make?

A: You need a non-minimum to “break” the three level. This hand just makes it. Bid 3C.

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

♠ AJ92 ♥ 6 ♦ 8754 ♣ 10873

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

A: The best thing to do in a competitive auction is to support your partner if you can. Don’t be distracted from that. Bid 2C.

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

♠ KQ103 ♥ J108 DJ1052 ♣ 64 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: All those working tens make it tempting, but this hand is not quite worth a bid. Pass.

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

♠ Q106 ♥ AQ 10643 ♦ J2 ♣ 98 Right-hand opponent opens 1C. What call would you make?

A: Don’t even think about 1H. That makes it too easy for them. Bid 2H.

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