Goren Bridge

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

♠ 5 ♥ KQ932 ♦ 10 8 7 5 ♣ A 10 9

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

2♥ Pass 4♥ Pass

5♦ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: It’s easy to imagine modest hands with North that will make slam a good contract. 7H might even be there if he has a very good hand. Accept the invitation by bidding 6C.

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

♠ Q54 ♥ A6 ♦ J95 ♣ AKJ86

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2♦* Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass What call would you make? *Transfer to hearts

A: Partner’s bid is natural and forcing. Your spade stopper is wafer thin, but it is just enough. Bid 3NT.

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

♠ KJ964 ♥ KQ2 ♦ KQ86 ♣ 6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ Pass 1♠ ?

What call would you make?

A: You might have the best hand at the table, but what can you do? Pass.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 10 6 ♥ 6 4 3 ♦ AJ83 ♣ AK2

Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: It’s tempting to bid a quantitative 4NT, but don’t be aggressive with 4-3-3-3 distribution. Just bid 3NT. 4NT is a very close second choice.

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

♠ K8 ♥ A87 ♦ KQ ♣ K 10 8 7 4 2 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Charles Goren would never have done it, but more and more, today’s experts are opening this hand 1NT. We like it. Bid 1NT.

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

♠ AK9 ♥ 42 ♦ A 10 4 ♣ A 10 9 8 6 Left-hand opponent opens 2D, weak, and it goes pass-pass-to you. What call would you make?

A: There is danger both in passing and bidding, but we like bidding 2NT.

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