GOREN BRIDGE

Q 1 — Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J9 ♥ 632 ♦ 9865 ♣ KQ32

Partner opens 1H and right-hand opponent bids 2D. What call would you make?

A — When the auction gets competitive, the best thing you can do is to support your partner, if you can. This weak hand should bid 2H.

Q 2 — East-west vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 9743 ♥ 54 ♦ J874 ♣ AK9

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2♣ 3♣ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A — The hand is worth a 4C bid, but will that accomplish much? We prefer to muddy the waters by bidding 3H, 3S, or 3NT. We know where to go if doubled. We like 3NT.

Q 3 — North-south vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KQ4 ♥ AQ875 ♦ 975 ♣ 62

As dealer, what call would you make?

A — You can certainly make a case that this hand is not worth an opening bid. Would it be that improved by adding, say, the jack of clubs? We don't think so. Open 1H.

Q 4 — Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AK764 ♥ A3 ♦ A87 ♣ 965

As dealer, what call would you make?

A — Opening 1NT should be a bid of first resort. It makes life easy for partner, plus there are no rebids to show 1517 if you open 1S. Open 1NT.