Goren Bridge

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

♠ AJ86 ♥ 864 ♦ KQ63 ♣ Q7 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: We pass 12-point hands with 4-33-3 distribution and open all other 12-point hands. We follow that rule and never try to “outguess the cards.” Open 1D.

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

♠ J854 ♥ Q 10 9 5 ♦ J9 ♣ 643 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ ?

What call would you make?

A: 3S is available as a pre-empt, but we wouldn’t bid it at this vulnerability with most of our hand in the enemy suit. Bid 2S, but passing is reasonable.

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

♠ KJ7 ♥ K763 ♦ K 10 4 ♣ 762 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: With a balanced hand and only 10 points, thinking would be an overbid. Pass.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A6 ♥ 7 ♦ AK8742 ♣ K764 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ 1♥ 1♠ 2♥

3♦ 3♥ 3♠ Pass

What call would you make?

A: Partner’s bid is not forcing, but passing it would be a crime. Bid 4S. Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AJ864 ♥ QJ975 ♦ 3 ♣ 96 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♦ 2♣ Dbl* Pass 2NT Pass ?

*Negative

What call would you make?

A: You almost certainly have a better spot in a major, but you might go broke looking for it. Pass.

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

♠ A75 ♥ 65 ♦ Q 10 4 ♣ J 10 9 6 4 Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent doubles. What call would you make?

A: As long as you are bidding at the one level, ignore their take-out double and make your normal bid. Bid 1NT.

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