Goren Bridge

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

♠ 6 ♥ Q J 10 9 6 3 ♦ A J 10 7 4 ♣ 6

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1NT Pass 2♦ * 2♠

3♥ 3♠ ?

*Transfer to hearts

What call would you make?

A: You can’t tell where this is going, so let partner know you have a goodish two-suiter. Bid 4D.

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

♠ A75 ♥ KQ ♦ A J 10 8 ♣ A Q 10 7 Right-hand opponent opens 2S, weak. What call would you make?

A: Too strong for 2NT, so start with double. Should partner jump to 4H, hope he has six of them, or at least five!

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

♠ Q2 ♥ K 10 9 8 ♦ K753 ♣ A97 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What is your plan?

A: Standard players must start with an uncomfortable 2D to show at least 10 points. Forcing NT players should bid 1NT, planning to bid 3NT next unless partner rebids 2H.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AKJ ♥ 6 ♦ KJ764 ♣ A 10 7 6

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 2♥ Dbl 3♥ Pass Pass ? What call would you make?

A: Too much to sell out, so you must bid again. We hate not having a fourth spade for this, but double again.

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

♠ A 10 3 ♥ AK75 ♦ 7 ♣ A 10 9 5 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass

2♣ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: 3NT would be extremely lazy. You have a great club fit with slam interest. Start with 2S, fourth-suit forcing, and support clubs next.

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

♠ A K 10 8 7 5 4 ♥ 10 8 4 ♦ Void ♣

K75

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 3♦ Pass 3NT ?

What call would you make?

A - Do not let East’s strong bid deter you. There are many ways to win by bidding. Bid 4S.

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