Goren Bridge

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

♠ 974 ♥ 854 ♦ A 10 9 3 ♣ K32

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ ? What call would you make?

A: It’s not just seven points — it’s an ace and a king! Bid 3♥.

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

♠ A94 ♥ AK954

♦ Void ♣ Q 10 9 4 2

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2♦ Pass 4♦ ?

What call would you make?

A: You must bid with this hand and it’s close between 4♥ and double. We like double.

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

♠ A 10 7 5 ♥ 10 ♦ AKJ84 ♣ K32 Left-hand opponent opens 1♥, partner passes, and right-hand opponent responds 1NT. What call would you make?

A: The double of a 1NT response is a take out double of the suit opened on your left. This hand is just about perfect. Double.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 9 7 ♥ KJ874 ♦ A93 ♣ Q4 Partner opens 1♥ and right-hand opponent overcalls 1♠. What call would you make?

A: Both 3♥ and 4♥ would be preemptive here. Bid 2♠, showing a raise with at least invitational values.

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

♠ 9 ♥ J 10 9 ♦ J64 ♣ A K 10 9 5 3 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

A: It is reasonable to evaluate this hand as worth 10 points. Never-theless, don’t redouble. You have no interest in defending either major. Bid 2♣, non-forcing.

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

♠ 3 ♥ K 10 8 6 5 4 ♦ 10 9 5 2 ♣ A8

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

2♦ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: We think that a jump to 3♥ here should show an invitational hand with four-card diamond support and five or six hearts. Even if you have that agreement, this hand isn’t quite good enough. Bid 2♥.

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