Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither as South, you hold:

K8 K 10 9 AQ32 A976 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: You will probably end up in 3NT, but why not make a forcing diamond raise on the way. For most modern players, that is an inverted raise to 2♦.

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

AKJ64 7

1♠ 2♥ Pass 3♥ What call would you make?

A: Don’t even think about passing. There is too much to be gained by bidding. Bid 4♦.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

AQJ96

1♠ Pass 4♠ Pass What call would you make?

A: Partner’s bid is pre-emptive — classically five trumps, a side ace, and a side singleton. Bid 4NT to make sure he has an ace, and then bid 6♠ if he does.

Q: Both vulnerable, hold:

42 1NT Pass 2♥* *Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A: You have double stoppers in every other suit, but you must accept the transfer unless you love spades. Bid 2♠.

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

K7 108 983 AK7632 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Good suit, good cards, and an easy rebid. This hand is worth an opening bid. Bid 1♣.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

AQ3 10 AJ75 J8762 Partner opens 2♠, weak, and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Bid 4♠. You don’t really expect to make it, but you don’t want to defend 4♥ either.

(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.)

(c) 2018 Tribune CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.