Goren Bridge

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

♠ A K J 10 ♥ AQ63 ♦ 875 ♣ K2 Right-hand opponent opens 2D, weak. What call would you make? A: Too strong to pass and slightly off-shape for a takeout double. We would double anyway and live with a club response by partner.

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

♠ 2 ♥ A 10 8 4 ♦ Q64 ♣ A9865 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Dbl Redbl 2♦

Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Bidding 2NT is almost always a poor choice when you have the option to double and defend. Double and defend.

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

♠ KQ63 ♥ KJ ♦ 86 ♣ K J 10 8 6 Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: You are headed for at least four spades but describe your hand on the way there. Partner might have extras. Bid 2C.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A84 ♥ 9 ♦ A98753 ♣ A73 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ 1♥ Pass Pass What call would you make?

A: You must reopen whenever you are short in their suit because partner might have a strong hand that wants to defend. Double, for takeout, but he can convert it by passing.

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

♠ J85 ♥ AKJ7 ♦ J 10 7 3 ♣ A8 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♠ Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Pass, 1NT, and 2H would all have their day in the sun, but we think the percentage action is double.

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

♠ Q64 ♥ AQ65 ♦ KQ65 ♣ 62

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

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

A: Bid 2S and bid it in tempo. Do not telegraph your three-card raise by bidding slowly.

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