Goren Bridge

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

♠ 73 ♥ AJ73 ♦ AQ5 ♣ QJ65 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♠ Pass 1NT Dbl 2♠ Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: The principle behind aggressive balancing is that if they have a good fit, you have one too. They have not shown a fit here. Pass.

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

♠ A 10 9 4 ♥ 53 ♦ AQ76 ♣ AKJ SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass 2NT Pass 4NT Pass What call would you make?

A: Partner’s bid is quantitative and you have a minimum — but it is a great minimum! The 10-9 of spades might be huge. Bid 6NT.

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

♠ Q J 10 7 5 ♥ A10 ♦ KQ763 ♣ 9 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass 2♦ Pass 2♥ Pass What call would you make?

A: You have a pretty nice hand for a partner with long hearts, but his bid is a sign-off. Respect it and pass.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 42 ♥ J 5 ♦ A ♣ A K Q 10 8 7 6 3 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♣ 1♦ 1♥ 2♦ What call would you make?

A: This auction is about to explode. Before you are forced to make a high-level decision, force one on them. Bid 5C.

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

♠ KJ5 ♥ A7 ♦ A8653 ♣ 753 Right-hand opponent opens 1H. What call would you make?

A: Don’t worry about the lack of a fourth spade. This hand qualifies for a take-out double. Double.

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

♠ 8653 ♥ K7632 ♦ A9 ♣ 64 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: There are some nice features about this hand, but not enough to go looking for game. Pass.

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