Goren Bridge

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

♠ 10 9 6 4 ♥ A65 ♦ K 10 6 ♣ 985

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♠ Pass 2♠ Dbl

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: No action is safe. We think the long-run winning action is to pass and play for penalties. Pass.

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

♠ K9 ♥ 8764 ♦ A8 ♣ KQJ65 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent bids 3♠. What call would you make?

A: Double will work when partner has four hearts but will backfire if he doesn’t. Bid 3NT.

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

♠ 10 8 7 4 ♥ A 10 5 ♦ AQ865 ♣ A Partner opens 3♣ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Not 3NT. Even if you have nine tricks, how will you get to them? Pass and hope they bid something.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AQ6 ♥ 97 ♦ AJ976 ♣ A98

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2 ♥* Dbl 2♠ 3♥ Dbl Pass *Transfer to spades What call would you make?

A: Partner’s double is not strictly for penalties. It just shows a live hand and invites you to make a decision. You should decide to bid 3S with this hand.

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

♠ 10 9 7 6 4 3 ♥ J97 ♦ 6 ♣ K75 Partner opens 1♥ and right-hand opponent bids 2♦. What call would you make?

A: When the auction is competitive, support with support when you can. Bid 2♥.

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

♠ KQ ♥ AQ ♦ K8754 ♣ 10 8 7 5

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ 1♠ 2♦ 2♠

What call would you make?

A: Pass, 2NT, or 3♦? 2NT would be a poor choice with short spades and a weak suit. We like 3♦.

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