Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither as South, you hold:

K K84 AQ842 K952 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: This would have been a silly question for decades. New rules now allow a 1NT opening with this hand. Bid 1♦, as it will be easy to show your two suits.

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

K 10 5 4 9 J 10 3 Q9842 Partner opens 1♥ and right-hand opponent bids 2♦. What call would you make?

A: This hand is not strong enough to enter the auction at the two level. Pass.

Q: East-West you hold:

A 10 5 K54 K65 A 10 4 Right-hand opponent opens 4♥. What call would you make?

A: Double at this level is more card showing than pure takeout. Double is OK, but this is the rock bottom for that action.

Q: Both vulnerable, hold:

A42

QA: This hand is worth one more try. Bid 2♠ and see if that excites partner.

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

A82 AKJ9 Q J 10 6 2 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: The singleton queen is hard to evaluate. Should you think this hand is worth a reverse, open 1♦. If not, open 1♥ and rebid 2♦ .We like 1♦.

Q: East-West you hold:

AJ9 AK72 8 K 10 7 5 2 Left-hand opponent opens 4♠, followed by two passes. What call would you make?

A: You could pass and take a small profit, but there is a lot of upside to bidding. Double. Should partner bid 5♦, remove that to 5NT. Good luck!

(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.

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