Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither as South, you hold:

Q9 A K 10 9 5 3

763

Right-hand opponent opens What call would you make?

A: 2H is for wimps. It’s close between 3H and 4H. We like 3H, but just barely.

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

KJ5 K Q 10 2 10 9 5 10 Left-hand opponent opens 1D, pass, pass, to you. What call would you make?

A: You won’t get rich defending one of a minor. You could double, but we prefer bidding 1H.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

963 K 10 2 A632 A53 Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent overcalls 1S. What call would you make?

A: This is a wake-up call for those who think a negative double promises four cards in the unbid major. What else can you do? Double.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

AJ9 K974 965 A 10 3 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What is your plan?

A: Prime cards and good intermediates make this hand worth a game force. A forcing 1NT followed by 4S is reasonable. If you don’t play 1NT forcing, start with 2C. You might find a superior 4-4 heart fit.

Q: East-West vulnerable, as you hold:

Void A98532

K6

1♥ Pass 2♥ 2♠

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

A: If you’re considering 5H, make sure that your insurance is paid up. We think it’s close between double and pass. We would pass. Respect your vulnerable opponents.

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

97 K 97632 QJ976 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17. What call would you make?

A: It’s almost certain that this hand will play better for your side in a minor rather than in no-trump. But which minor and how can we stop there? Don’t open this can of worms. 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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