Goren on Bridge
QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ KQ965 ♥ A1072 ♦ 4 ♣ A53 NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♦ Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass ? What call would you make?
A: A two-heart bid would be “fourth-suit forcing”, a game force not promising hearts. It’s still the right bid! Partner can complete the description of his hand and you’ll be in a good position at your next turn.
Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 106 ♥ KJ10752 ♦ KJ42 ♣ 3 Partner opens one diamond and right-hand opponent bids one spade. What call would you make?
A: Your ability to support diamonds makes this hand well worth a free bid at the two level. Bid two hearts.
Q3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A6 ♥ AJ5 ♦ QJ543 ♣ K52 Partner opens one diamond and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?
A: Many players don’t have a way to make a game forcing raise of partner’s minor. Those who play “inverted minors” can bid two diamonds forcing. Others must bid three no-trump, hiding five-card support. Ugh!
Q 4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 1096 ♥ A75 ♦ 10965 ♣ Q76 WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♥ 2♣ 2♥ ? What call would you make?
A: You can’t risk selling out at the two level when you have reasonable support for partner. Bid three clubs.
Q5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J64 ♥ 109853 ♦ J2 ♣ 1072 Partner opens two no-trump, 20-21, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?
A: This hand might be worthless in a no-trump contract but is likely to be worth at least two tricks in a heart contract. Bid three diamonds, transferring to hearts.
Q6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AJ5 ♥ KQ10654 ♦ K7 ♣ AJ Right-hand opponent opens two diamonds, weak. What call would you make?
A: A jump to three hearts would be intermediate, roughly 14-16 with a six-card suit. This hand is too good for that. Double and bid hearts at your next turn.
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