GOREN ON BRIDGE

Q1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KQ862 ♥ Void ♦ K97 ♣ Q8764 Right-hand opponent opens 1NT, 15-17. What call would you make?

A: Do not bid 2S just to show spades.

Should you have a way to show a 2-suited hand, this would be a decent hand to bid with. Otherwise, pass.

Q2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K J 10 7 6 3 ♥ K75 ♦ QJ ♣ A2

Right-hand opponent opens 1S. What call would you make?

A: It is almost always right to pass when an opponent opens in your longest suit. This hand is no exception. Pass.

Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Void ♥ 9863 ♦ 764 ♣ AJ9863

Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: This hand is just barely worth a response. It looks silly with this distribution, but the only acceptable bid is 1NT, even if you play a 3C bid as weak.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 98653 ♥ K6 ♦ Q ♣ 109764

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1♦ 1♠ Dbl* ?

*Negative

What call would you make?

A: Anything less than 4S is cowardly. Bid 4S.

Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A42 ♥ 98 ♦ K75 ♣ Q7642

Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: 9 points and a 5-card suit is worth a game force. Bid 3NT.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A K 10 4 ♥ 754 ♦ 975 ♣ A98

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH 1♥ Pass 2♥ Pass

Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: You will get a poor score if you pass. Bidding might not work out well, but at least you are trying. Double. Pass is reasonable at rubber bridge.