Goren Bridge

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

♠ K ♥ K84 ♦ AQ842 ♣ K952 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: This would have been a silly question for decades. New rules now allow a 1NT opening with this hand. Bid 1♦, as it will be easy to show your two suits.

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

♠ K 10 5 4 ♥ 9 ♦ J 10 3 ♣ Q9842 Partner opens 1♥ and right-hand opponent bids 2♦. What call would you make?

A: This hand is not strong enough to enter the auction at the two level. Pass.

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

♠ A 10 5 ♥ K54 ♦ K65 ♣ A 10 4 2 Right-hand opponent opens 4♥. What call would you make?

A: Double at this level is more card showing than pure takeout. Double is OK, but this is the rock bottom for that action.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A42 ♥ K Q 10 8 2 ♦ Q ♣ AJ52

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass What call would you make? A: This hand is worth one more try. Bid 2♠ and see if that excites partner.

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

♠ A82 ♥ AKJ9 ♦ Q J 10 6 2 ♣ Q As dealer, what call would you make?

A: The singleton queen is hard to evaluate. Should you think this hand is worth a reverse, open 1♦. If not, open 1♥ and rebid 2♦ .We like 1♦.

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

♠ AJ9 ♥ AK72 ♦ 8 ♣ K 10 7 5 2 Left-hand opponent opens 4♠, followed by two passes. What call would you make?

A: You could pass and take a small profit, but there is a lot of upside to bidding. Double. Should partner bid 5♦, remove that to 5NT. Good luck!

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