Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither hold: 10 9

1NT Pass

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: No one sent for you. Pass, and give left-hand opponent a confident look.

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

K4 K54 A K J

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

A: In the balancing seat, your actions show about a king less than they would in direct position. 3♦ would not do this hand justice. Double again.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

A 10 4

K J 10

Right-hand opponent opens What call would you make?

A: All four 10’s might tempt you to bid 1NT, but there is nowhere to run if you’re doubled and no good lead if you end up defending. Pass. Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

QJ7 What call would you make?

A: Partner has shown 12-14. Just bid 3NT. This hand is not worth more than that.

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

KJ973 J742

K1♦ Pass 1♠

2♣ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: 2♥ here does not show hearts. It is fourth-suit forcing. Bid 2♥ anyway to prepare for a game-forcing diamond raise.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

72 A K 10 5 2 102 J 10 5 3 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent bids 2♣. What call would you make?

A: A negative double would leave you horribly placed after a 2♠ bid by partner, and the hand is not worth 2♥. Pass.

(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. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribpub.com.)

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