Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither as South, you hold:

52 8 J87 K Q J 10 9 5 3 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent overcalls 2D. What call would you make?

A: 3C would be forcing and show a better hand. Pass now and hope to bid clubs later.

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

J865 A6 107

1♠ Pass 2♠

3NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Partner is giving you a choice of games. With four trumps and two doubletons, your choice is clear. Bid 4S.

Q: East-West you hold:

A86 743 KQJ64 Right-hand opponent opens What call would you make?

A: A two-level overcall in a minor suit should be based on a six-card suit or a good five-card suit with sound opening bid values. This hand is a little short. Pass.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

J 10 3

KWhat call would you make?

A: You cannot bid 3S with only three trumps. Should you want to bid again in a competitive auction, the only action for you is usually Double. Or in this case: Redouble. Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

65 98643

Void

Right-hand opponent opens What call would you make?

A: The Unusual Two no-trump overcall, which most play today, shows the two lowest unbid suits. Get your hearts in to the picture by bidding 2NT.

Q: East-West vulnerable, you hold:

A10 AJ643 J8 KQ93 Right-hand opponent opens 1C. What call would you make?

A: 1NT would not be the worst bid ever made, but we prefer to show our five-card major. Bid 1H. (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) 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.