Goren Bridge

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

♠ A K 10 8 ♥ K65 ♦ KQJ76 ♣ 9 With the opponents passing, you open 1D and partner responds 1S. What is your rebid?

A: Your hand is worth 19 points in support of spades — enough to raise to game. Tell partner about your shape by making a splinter bid. Bid 4C.

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

♠ 42 ♥ J4 ♦ KJ9 ♣ KJ8753 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent overcalls 1S. What call would you make?

A: You are not quite good enough to bid 2C. Make a negative double now, planning to bid clubs next, at the three level if necessary.

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

♠ A7652 ♥ Q54 ♦ A52 ♣ A10

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

What is your rebid?

A: Pass, of course, unless you are playing the 1NT response as forcing, as so many do today. In that case, bid your lowest ranking three-card suit. Bid 2D.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K72 ♥ A32 ♦ AK ♣ K9643

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♣ Pass 2♣ Pass What call would you make?

A: You correctly opened 1C, treating your hand as worth 18-19. A 2NT trump rebid by opener always shows 18-19, even if it is not a jump. Bid 2NT.

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

♠ J 10 7 ♥ 82 ♦ K 10 9 8 7 2 ♣ K10

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2♦ 2♥ 2NT Pass What call would you make?

A: The overcall does not change the meaning of partner’s 2NT bid. He wants to know if you have a minimum or a maximum. Show a minimum by bidding 3D.

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

♠ 9 ♥ A 10 7 6 3 2 ♦ 10 ♣ AJ874 As dealer, what is your plan?

A: 6-5 distributions can be magical. Be aggressive by opening 2H, intending to bid your clubs freely at your next turn, even at the four level, if necessary.

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribpub.com.)

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