Goren on Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A963 ♥ A64 ♦ K10752 ♣ 3 Partner opens one heart and right-hand 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: ♠ KJ ♥ 98753 ♦ AKQ8 ♣ AJ

SOUTH 1♥ ?

WEST Pass

NORTH 1♠

EAST 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.

Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 87 ♥ KJ82 ♦ A10 ♣ AK642 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.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 109532 ♥ Q ♦ AKQ52 ♣ K10

SOUTH 1♠ ?

WEST Pass

NORTH 2♥

EAST 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.

Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 6542 ♥ 6 ♦ KQ109 ♣ AQ64 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: This hand has possibilities, but a requirement for opening the bidding with 11 high-card points should be a five-card suit. Pass.

Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A76 ♥ J1076 ♦ QJ3 ♣ AQ7

WEST 1♠

NORTH Dbl

EAST Pass

SOUTH ?

What call would you make?

A: Don’t put all of your eggs in the heart basket, as partner might not have four of them. Start with two spades, game forcing, and try to find out whether four hearts or three no trump is best.