Goren Bridge

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

♠ K 10 7 6 4 ♥ Void ♦ AQ ♣ AKJ 763

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Do not open 2C. The idea is to open 1C, jump in spades at your next turn, and then rebid spades. That paints a much better picture than if you started with 2C.

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

♠ K87 ♥ J 10 7 2 ♦ AQ5 ♣ 652

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♠ Pass 2♠ Pass 3♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Bid 4H. The raise of partner’s game try bid promises four cards in that suit in case partner prefers to play there.

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

♠ K 10 3 ♥ 764 ♦ A63 ♣ A762 Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Raising partner’s minor is a recurring problem. We can accept either 2C or 3C, provided the bid shows invitational values in your methods.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J86 ♥ AJ97653 ♦ 6 ♣ AK SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ 2♦ Dbl* 3♦ *Negative

What call would you make?

A: You would bid 3H on almost any hand with a sixth heart. This hand is too good for 3H. Bid 4H.

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

♠ J 10 8 5 ♥ A 10 4 ♦ AKJ6 ♣ 65 Right-hand opponent opens 2H, weak. What call would you make? A: To make a takeout double with a hand this weak you need perfect distribution. This hand cannot support clubs. It is not perfect. Pass.

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

♠ J84 ♥ KJ852 ♦ Q76 ♣ K7 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: You might have a game on some bright, shiny, day, but you are likely to earn a minus score looking for it. Pass.