Goren Bridge

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

♠ 95432 ♥ Q 10 6 3 ♦ 5 ♣ J86

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ 1♥ 3♦ * ?

*Pre-emptive

What call would you make?

A: Four-card support and a singleton in the enemy suit make it tempting to raise, but you just don’t have enough. Pass.

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

♠ J73 ♥ Q964 ♦ Q832 ♣ 52 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Don’t pass! That would make it too easy for the opponents. Bid 1♥.

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

♠ Q763 ♥ K86 ♦ 9 ♣ AK943 Partner opens 1♣ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: You can raise clubs later. For now, bid 1♠.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K986 ♥ A84 ♦ AKQJ5 ♣ J

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ 2♣ * ?

*5-5 in the majors, usually weak What call would you make?

A: You have so much to do. Start with a natural bid in your best suit. Bid 2♦.

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

♠ 94 ♥ A7 ♦ Q765 ♣ AKJ86

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass

2♦ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: If you play 3♦ as forcing here, then that’s your bid. If not, bid 2♥, fourth-suit forcing, and follow with a clearly forcing 3♦.

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

♠ 9 ♥ 94 ♦ A9765 ♣ AK754

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 2 ♥* Pass *Fourth-suit forcing, artificial game force

What call would you make?

A: Partner’s artificial 2♥ bid has created a game force. Keep describing your hand. Bid 3♣.

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