Goren Bridge

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

♠ Q8 ♥ KQJ ♦ A 10 9 6 4 2 ♣ K6 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: We hope all readers are comfortable opening 1NT with some slightly off-shape hands. It is the best choice here. Open 1NT.

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

♠ A72 ♥ KQ87 ♦ K874 ♣ 96

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 2♥ Pass 3♥ 4♥

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Partner is showing a big twosuiter with spades and a minor. Don’t get too exited with so much wasted in hearts. Bid 4S.

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

♠ AKQ5 ♥ AQ65 ♦ K10 ♣ J85

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♣ Pass 1NT Pass What call would you make?

A: A 2NT rebid by opener shows 18-19, but this is such a good 19 that we are happy to force to game. Bid 3NT.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J62 ♥ A 10 9 8 4 3 ♦ 3 ♣ J94 Right-hand opponent opens 1S. What call would you make?

A: This hand is not strong enough to bid 2H at any vulnerability, nor is it worth a vulnerable 3H. Pass

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

♠ K 10 7 2 ♥ 62 ♦ KQ62 ♣ J96 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Assuming that you play limit raises, this hand is worth an invitation. Bid 3S.

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

♠ 952 ♥ QJ ♦ K 10 6 3 ♣ QJ83 Partner opens 1D and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Should you play inverted minors, you are pretty much forced to bid 1NT. Otherwise, we prefer to raise. Bid 2D.

(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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