The Bridge Column

Q1 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠K 2 ♥ J 3 ♦ A K Q 8 6 5 ♣ A Q 3 Partner opens two hearts, weak, and right-hand opponent bids two spades. What call would you make?

A— Bid two no-trump, asking. When right-hand opponent doubles partner’s weak two-bid, or overcalls at the two level, as here, your two no-trump bid keeps the same meaning as if the opponent had not bid. Q2 — East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠A K Q J 8 ♥ 9 3 2 ♦ J 3 ♣ A K 3 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Dbl Pass 2♥ What call would you make?

A— No action is really sound. Bidding two spades would not be the worst bid ever made, but we think that pass is correct.

Q 3 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠9 7 5 3 ♥ 9 ♦ K Q 5 4 ♣ A J 9 5 Partner opens one no-trump, 15-17, and right-hand opponent bids two hearts. What call would you make?

A— In days of yore, double in this position would be for penalties. Today it is more commonly played as take-out. Double.

Q 4 — North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠A K J 8 ♥ Q 7 3 2 ♦ Q ♣ K 10 5 2 With the opponents passing, you open one club and partner responds one heart. What call would you make?

A— Discount the queen of diamonds as a high-card value, but the singleton is worth three support points. That gives you 16 total points and the values to bid three hearts.