Goren Bridge

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

♠ AQ ♥ J75 ♦ J96 ♣ AKQ52 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: 17 high-card points, balanced, with a decent five-card suit is worth 18 points. Open 1♣, planning to rebid 2NT.

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

♠ A K J 10 ♥ 953 ♦ Q ♣ AQ973 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What is your plan?

A: Stayman followed by three of a minor is natural and forcing. Start with 2♣ to see if you have a spade fit, planning on rebidding 3♣ with no spade fit.

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

♠ A 10 7 ♥ Q874 ♦ Q2 ♣ 10 9 7 5 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

A: When bidding at the one level, unless you are strong enough to redouble, just ignore their double and make your natural call. Bid 1♥.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 52 ♥ A8 ♦ K875 ♣ K9754 Right-hand opponent opens 1♠. What call would you make?

A: Overcalling at the two level in a five-card minor with a mediocre hand and only a five-card suit is a losing action in the long run. Pass. Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 54 ♥ Q10 ♦ KQJ8754 ♣ AJ

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♥ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦

3♥ ?

What call would you make?

A: Should your side have a diamond trick on defense, it is partner’s trick, not yours. You have almost no defense. The queen doubleton of hearts is a warning sign that the hand will play well for them. Don’t push them to a game you can’t defeat. Pass.

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

♠ AJ874 ♥ AK ♦ K874 ♣ 108

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ 2♥ 4♥* Pass *Splinter bid, game forcing spade raise with shortness in hearts What call would you make?

A: Strength opposite partner’s shortage is wasted. Go quietly and bid 4♠.

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