Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither as South, you hold:

104 AK63 K6 A J 10 8 7 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17. What is your plan?

A: Bid 2♣ in case you have a heart fit, then 3♣ if you don’t find one. This bid is natural and forcing. 3NT would be a poor choice.

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

A965 AJ9 K64 964 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent overcalls 1♠. What call would you make?

A: Be conservative with 4-3-3-3 distribution. Bid 2NT, invitational. Q: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

J4 AK72

JQ1♦ Pass 1♥

2NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Some methods for this situation: 3♣ should be check-back asking about major-suit information, and 3♦ should be game forcing with a fit in opener’s minor, regardless of which minor he opened. Bid 3♦ with that agreement.

Q: Both vulnerable, as hold:

7654 8 A Q J 10 8 943 Partner passes and so does righthand opponent. What call would you make? A: Even if you NEVER open a weak two-bid on a five-card suit, you should do it with this hand in third seat. Bid 2♦.

Q: East-West you hold:

AK3

Pass Pass 1♥

2♣* Pass ?

*Drury, at least 10 points least three hearts

What call would you make?

A: This is a nice hand, so don’t waste time. Bid 4♥.

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

10 9 8 6 AKJ95 A9 Q3 With the opponents passing, you open 1♥ and partner responds 1NT. What is your rebid?

A: This is an uncomfortable had for forcing no-trump players. You must choose between bidding a two-card club suit or rebidding a five-card heart suit. Bid 2♥ with this hand. (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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