Goren Bridge

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

♠ QJ943 ♥ K2 ♦ 75 ♣ A853 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ Pass 1♥ 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass ? What call would you make?

A: You don’t have much and neither does partner. Stop bidding before the doubling starts. Pass.

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

♠ AJ ♥ KJ984 ♦ K932 ♣ K2 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Opening 1NT with 5-4-2-2 distribution has become commonplace, but this hand should be easy to bid naturally. Open 1H.

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

♠ 10 7 6 ♥ J7 ♦ 96 ♣ KJ8754

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♥ 1♠ Pass ? What call would you make?

A: This hand is just barely worth a raise. Bid 2S.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KJ976 ♥ J 10 8 7 ♦ Q ♣ AK8 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ 3♥ 4♥* Dbl *Spade fit, game forcing values or better

What call would you make?

A: Had East passed, you would have bid 4S. East’s double gives you the option to pass, showing at least some forward-going interest if partner has extras. Pass.

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

♠ J6 ♥ 105 ♦ K Q 10 9 6 ♣ AQ43 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♦ Dbl 1NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: 9 tricks are easier than 11. Forget about raising clubs and bid 3NT.

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

♠ Q 10 5 ♥ A K 10 ♦ Q987 ♣ 985 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♠ Pass 1NT* Pass 2♠ Pass ? *Forcing for one round

What call would you make?

A: 3S or 4S? All those intermediates should be worth something. Bid 4S.

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