Goren Bridge

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

♠ 74 ♥ Q 10 8 7 5 4 ♦ A8 ♣ 875 Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent bids 3D, weak. What call would you make?

A: In a recent online game, the player with this hand bid 3H. Partner drove to 6H, down 3. This hand is not worth a bid at this level. Pass.

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

♠ AQ9865 ♥ Q8 ♦ ♦ 5

♣

J764

1♦ Pass 1♠

1NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: It is tempting to bid 3S, but the singleton in partner’s suit is not an asset. Bid 2S.

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

♠ 8 ♥ K Q 10 7 5

A J 10 7

Pass

♣

Q98

1♥ 2♠ 4♥ 4♠ What call would you make?

A: If you bid 5H you will negate the value of your partner’s pre-empt. Pass.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A3 ♥ 532 ♦ AQ7 ♣ 10 9 8 6 4 Partner opens 2H, weak, and righthand opponent bids 4S. What call would you make?

A: You have reasonable defense and no reason to think your side can take 9 tricks. Pass.

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

♠ AK7 ♥ 104 ♦ K87 ♣ KJ976 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: You could not be faulted for opening 1C, but the prime vales and the good five-card suit easily make this hand worth 15 points. Open 1NT.

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

♠ KJ86 ♥ Q93 ♦ KQJ3 ♣ J8 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: You will drive to game in hearts eventually, but a 4-4 spade fit might be better. Bid 1S.