Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A985 ♥ 986 75

EAST

AQ52 NORTH 1♠

1♥ Dbl

2♦ ?

What call would you make?

A: A poll of experts might find some support for your first bid, but no expert would approve of a second bid with this hand. Thinking is an overbid. Pass.

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

♠ 9 ♥ A J 10 8 7 5

EAST

Redbl ♦ 86

♣

AKJ5 NORTH 3♥*

1♦ 1♥

Pass ? *Pre-emptive, at least four-card support

What call would you make?

A: As little as four heart to the king will give you some play for game. Bid 4H.

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

♠ A 10 7 4 ♥ 63

NORTH EAST

1♠

K86

♣

A984

SOUTH WEST

1♥ Pass 1♠

3♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Partner’s strong raise means that game should be easy to make for a change. There is no reason to think beyond game. Bid 4S.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J

1♣

Pass

♣ A Q 10 8 7 5 4 NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass

What call would you make?

Awkward. Too unbalanced for 2NT and too good for 3C. We like a reverse into 2D, keeping it low. We might learn something.

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

♠ 32 964 AQJ

A J 10 8 6

1♠ Pass 2♣

2♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: A delicate 3D will get you to 3NT when partner has a heart stopper, but it hides your spade fit. Partner might have only five spades, but they should be good ones. Bid 4S.

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

♠ AKQJ3 ♥ K9 ♦ 76 ♣ A 10 8 6 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 3♥ Pass Pass ? What call would you make?

A: Too strong for 3S. 3NT might be right, but we will need a lot from partner to make nine tricks. We prefer to play in our suit. Bid 4S. (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)2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Pass