Goren Bridge

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

♠ A K J 10 ♥ 765 ♦ AK8 ♣ 854 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Yes, there are two wide-open suits, but if you don’t open 1NT, you will never be able to show 1517 points. Bid 1NT.

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

♠ AJ42 ♥ Q853 ♦ Q8 ♣ A92

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Playing match points, as most of us do, you seldom get a good result when the opponents play at the two level after finding a fit. There is danger but bid 2♠.

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

♠ K85 ♥ AJ98 ♦ J 10 7 5 ♣ A8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♣ 2NT* 3♣ ? *Weak, 5-5 in the two lowest unbid suits

What call would you make?

A: Despite partner having a weak hand, it was enough to bid at this level and you have a double fit. Bid 4♥.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 8632 ♥ AQ976

♦ Void ♣ 9754

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♦ Pass 1♥ 2♣

2♦ Pass ?

What call would you make? A: When you have a weak hand and it looks like your side has a misfit, get out before the doubling starts. Pass.

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

♠ 874 ♥ J76 ♦ K 10 5 3 ♣ 985

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♣ 1♥ 1♠ Pass 2♠ 3♦ 3♠ ?

What call would you make?

A: We’d like to raise with a double fit, but which suit? When you have no real confidence that you will make your contract, make the safest bid. Bid 4♦.

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

♠ J653 ♥ J ♦ AK7642 ♣ Q8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ Dbl 1NT ?

What call would you make?

A: This hand, with length in left-hand opponent’s suit, is not as good as it looks. Right-hand opponent might be over-ruffing dummy. It is worth a bid, of course, but only 2♠.

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