The Bridge Column

Q1 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 9 6 3 ♥ A 6 4 ♦ K 10 7 5 2 ♣ 3 Partner opens one heart and righthand opponent overcalls two diamonds. What call would you make?

A— It’s usually a poor idea to go for penalties when you have an adequate fit for partner’s suit, especially if he doesn’t know about it yet. Bid three diamonds, limit raise or better.

Q2 — North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K J ♥ 9 8 7 5 3 ♦ A K Q 8 ♣ A J SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass ? What call would you make?

A— Two no trump or three diamonds? Three diamonds might fetch an unwanted preference to three hearts. Bid two no trump.

Q 3 — East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 8 7 ♥ K J 8 2 ♦ A 10 ♣ A K 6 4 2 As dealer, what call would you make?

A— Opening one club leaves you with no good rebid over a one spade response. Open one no trump.

Q 4 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10 9 5 3 2 ♥ Q ♦ A K Q 5 2 ♣ K 10 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass 2♥ Pass ? What call would you make?

A— The queen of hearts has value now, making this worth a three-diamond bid, showing a good 14 points or better. Two no trump is a strong alternative.

(Bob Jones welcome readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.)