Goren Bridge

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

♠ 10 9 6 5 3 ♥ AQ62 ♦ K4 ♣ J9 Partner deals and passes. Righthand opponent also passes. What call would you make?

A: With a five-card major and an easy rebid, this hand is acceptable for a third-seat opening bid. Bid 1S. Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K Q 10 8 6 5 4 2 H Void ♦ AQC 986

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1NT Pass 2 ♥* Dbl Pass 3♥ ? *Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A: You should drive to 6S, but first bid 4H. Partner will bid 4S, making him declarer. This might protect his king of clubs from an attack by the opening lead.

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

♠ 64 ♥ K4DA986CA8754 EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♠ Pass 2♠ 4♥

4♠ ?

What call would you make?

A: Partner will love this hand as dummy, and he might take 11 tricks. Bid 5H.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J42 ♥ AK8753 ♦ J ♣ 876 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass

What call would you make?

A: Partner’s bid is forcing, and you have a terrific hand for spades. Assuming you play splinter bids, bid 4D. If not, bid 4S.

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

♠ K 10 9 4 H A J 8 5 D A K 10 9 ♣ 6 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass What call would you make?

A: This is too good for just 3S. Assuming you play splinter bids, bid 4C, as 4S would show a balanced hand. Without splinters, bid 4S.

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

♠ K85 ♥ 10 9 6 ♦ A82 ♣ A975

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST Pass Pass 1♥ Pass 2 ♣* 2♠ Pass Pass *Heart fit, at least 10 points What call would you make?

A: Partner knows you have a heart fit. Double, and let him decide whether to play or defend. (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.

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