Goren Bridge

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

♠ Q 10 4 2 ♥ J64 ♦ 32 ♣ K742 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♣ 1♥ Dbl* ? *Negative

What call would you make?

A: There are arguments for passing, but we think raising partner to the two level, when you can, is mandatory. Bid 2H.

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

♠ J9853 ♥ 106 ♦ K 10 4 ♣ K75 Partner opens 1D and right-hand opponent bids 1NT. What call would you make?

A: This hand is just shy of the values to make a bid. Pass.

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

♠ A K 10 5 ♥ K6 ♦ A Q 10 6 4 ♣ 53 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ Pass 1♥ ?

What call would you make?

A: An opponent has bid one of your suits, but you have one suit left and a hand too good to pass. Bid 1S.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 10 6 5 3 ♥ 95 ♦ K5 ♣ KQ98 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♥ Pass 1♠ 2♣ 2♦ 3♣ ?

What call would you make?

A: Bidding 3NT might work well, but we prefer to issue a speeding ticket. Double.

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

♠ A865 ♥ 8 ♦ Q43 ♣ Q8653 Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: This hand is just barely good enough to invite game. Bid 2C to check for a spade fit and continue with 2NT if you don’t find one.

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

♠ Q6 ♥ AJ3 ♦ A8653 ♣ 10 7 2 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ 1♠ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Had partner opened 1S, you would have to make an invitational bid with this hand. That is not as important after partner’s overcall. Bid 1NT.

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