Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 86 ♥ J 10 6 2 ♦ 7542 ♣ AQ2 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

A: This is a little heavy for a preemptive raise, but at this vulnerability you should have a little extra. Bid 3H.

Q: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J8752 ♥ A Q 10 6 4 ♦ 108 ♣ 6 Partner opens 1NT and right-hand opponent doubles. What is your plan?

A: We think this hand is worth a game force, but just barely. Start with 2H, transfer to spades, and continue with a natural and forcing 3H.

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

♠ K Q 10 6 ♥ J54 ♦ A4 ♣ A 10 6 3 Right-hand opponent opens 1H. What call would you make?

A: Should you double, partner will bid diamonds. It’s a bridge law! Instead, overcall in your strong four-card suit. Bid 1S.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AJ763 ♥ 3 ♦ 10 9 4 ♣ AJ86

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

A: You have enough for a strong diamond raise, but why not show your spades on the way? Bid 2S.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A63 ♥ AKQJ6 ♦ AJ ♣ KQ3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 2♣ Pass 2♦ Pass

2NT Pass 3♥* Pass

*Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A: On a non-diamond lead, any hand from partner with five spades should give you decent play for game. On a diamond lead, you might need him to hold a card. Bid 4S.

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

♠ K6 ♥ K 10 6 5 4 ♦ 643 ♣ K84

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ 1♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Close between pass, 2H, and 2S. We think pass will be the long run winner. Pass. Second choice, 2H. (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.)