THE OTHER ANSWERS ASSUME IMPORTANCE

Here are my answers to the remaining Christmas Competition questions.

3. How would the bidding proceed if East were the dealer? My choice is given in the diagram. That East hand is worth an opening bid, having no rebid problem. South is too strong for a simple overcall. West raises to the 10-trick level because he knows of at least a 10card fit. North can hardly risk passing. Then South bids what he hopes his partner can make, although he might first employ Roman Key Card Blackwood.

4. Look only at the North hand. a. West deals and opens two hearts, a weak two-bid. b. South opens one heart, and West overcalls two diamonds. What should North do in each case? a. Pass (do not pre-empt against a preempt). b. Pass (maybe three spades, if weak, or a negative double).

5. Look only at the East hand. North opens one no-trump. a. What should East do? b. Whatever East calls, South jumps to three no-trump. What should East lead? a. Two hearts if it shows a heartminor two-suiter. If it would be natural, pass (not having a six-card suit). b. Diamond king.

6. Look only at the South hand. a. North opens one heart, and East passes. b. East opens one spade(!). What should South do in each case? a. One spade. There is no hurry. b. Double (though pass might work better).

7. Look only at the West hand. a. North opens one diamond, East makes a takeout double, and South

bridge

responds one spade. b. East opens two hearts, a weak two-bid, and South makes a takeout double. What should West do in each case? a. Two hearts. b. Four hearts ... or Blackwood! Copyright United Feature Syndicate

(Asia Features)