Goren on Bridge

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

♠ 6 ♥ AK72 ♦ KQ964 ♣ 862

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Should you open 1D and partner respond 1S, the rebid problem is so bad that perhaps you shouldn’t open. We would open 1H and take our chances on the missing fifth heart.

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

♠ AQ10 ♥ AK1096 ♦ K103 ♣ AQ

As dealer, what is your plan?

A: This hand is worth much more than 22 points. We would force to 3NT, expecting to pick up a trick on the opening lead. That would probably start with opening 2C.

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

♠ KJ72 ♥ K10 ♦ 1075 ♣ KJ76 Right-hand opponent opens 2H, weak. What call would you make?

A: You would double a 1H opening but acting at the two level requires a little extra, and this hand doesn’t have it. Pass.

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

♠ Q1032 ♥ A2 ♦ AJ74 ♣ A74

Partner opens 1D and right-hand opponent overcalls 2C. What is your plan?

A: A rare competitive auction where we might not get to show our support. Start with a negative double. You might have to bid 3NT next, depending on what happens

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

♠ 82 ♥ AJ10963 ♦ 62 ♣ 1084

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass

2♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Partner’s jump rebid has created a game force, so just keep describing your hand as well as possible. Bid 3H.

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

♠ 654 ♥ 42 ♦ KQ109 ♣ 9742

Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent makes a takeout double. What call would you make?

A: You are barely worth one bid, so raise partner in this competitive auction. Bid 2C.

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