Goren Bridge

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

♠ K ♥ AKQ876 ♦ K2 ♣ A 10 8 5 Partner opens 3D and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Who knows where this will end up? That is why a new suit is forcing over partner’s pre-empt. Start with 3H.

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

♠ 62 ♥ 7 ♦ AKQ95 ♣ J9764

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: It might seem silly with this distribution, but the correct bid is 2NT.

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

♠ A86 ♥ A62 ♦ A K 10 9 6 ♣ 74

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1NT Pass 2NT Pass What call would you make?

A: This is a high-card minimum, but the potential for extra tricks in the diamond suit make this hand worth more than 15 points. Bid 3NT.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 10 4 ♥ A 10 7 5 ♦ K 10 7 5 ♣ 97 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass

1NT Dbl ?

What call would you make?

A: You were going to bid 2NT until East got involved. He has probably made a mistake. Redouble.

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

♠ Q94 ♥ A98643 ♦ A8 ♣ 96

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass

2♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Some would have bid 2H, but 1NT was a reasonable choice. 3S now is not enough. Bid 4S.

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

♠ 107 ♥ 6 ♦ K Q J 10 8 7 5 4 ♣ 95 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: You don’t want to defend four of a major, so don’t sit around waiting for them to bid it. Bid 5D.

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