Goren Bridge

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

♠ J7 ♥ A86 ♦ J 10 9 5 3 ♣ Q 7 3 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Most balanced 8-point hands should pass 1NT, but a five-card suit is worth extra. Bid 2NT, or whatever is invitational in your methods.

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

♠ K863 ♥ 10 8 ♦ Q 7 5 2 ♣ 10 8 5 Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Charles Goren wanted 6 points to respond to partner’s opening bid, but modern experts respond with 5. Bid 1D or 1S, according to your agreements.

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

♠ K Q J 10 7 6 ♥ 10 7 6 ♦ K 4 ♣ 82 Right-hand opponent opens 1D. What call would you make?

A: This would qualify for a 1S overcall for most players, but why give away a full level of bidding? Bid 2S. Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A K 10 7 5 ♥ A 6 ♦ 75 ♣ A863 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1 ♠ Pass 2 ♠ Pass What call would you make?

A: This hand is just barely worth a game try. Bid 3C, where you could use some help.

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

♠ 8 2 ♥ A K 10 5 ♦ Q 9 8 6 4 ♣ Q 2 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1 ♣ 2 ♠ Dbl* Redbl3 ♦ Pass ?

*Negative

What call would you make?

A: The fifth trump and the queen of clubs might be golden for partner. Bid at least 4D, and 5D is a consideration.

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

♠ J 10 ♥ Q 10 ♦ Q 8 7 5 ♣ K J 9 8 5 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1 ♥ 1 ♠ Dbl* ?

*Negative

What call would you make?

A: The redouble of a negative double shows a good hand that can’t raise — typically about 10 points with tolerance for partner’s suit. This hand is perfect. Redouble. (Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribpub.com.)

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