Goren on Bridge

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

♠ 974 ♥ KQ72 ♦ A742 ♣ K9 Left-hand opponent opens 3C-Pass-Pass to you. What call would you make?

A: The king of clubs might be wasted, but we can’t let the opponents steal from us like this. Double.

Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ QJ1063 ♥ 9 ♦ 864 ♣ AKJ4

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: If you don’t open 1S with this hand, you’re playing the wrong game. All the values in your two suits and an easy rebid make this hand worth at least 13 points.

Q 3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 104 ♥ 62 ♦ 1097 ♣ Q107542

Partner opens 1NT, 15-17. What call would you make?

A: Use whatever method you have for signing off in 3C. This hand will have value in a club contract and might have no value in a no-trump contract.

Q 4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10754 ♥ Q75 ♦ AQ94 ♣ K2

Partner deals and passes, as does right-hand opponent. What call would you make?

A: If you want partner to be sound in first and second seat, you must act aggressively in third or fourth. Bid 1D.

Q 5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q82 ♥ Q1032 ♦ A965 ♣ A8

What call would you make?

A: You have a minimum, but it’s incredibly pure. Both queens in his suits and both aces in the other suits. Whatever he’s looking for you probably have. Bid 3C.

Q 6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 3 ♥ 106 ♦ AKQ63 ♣ AK953

Partner opens 3S and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Close between passing and raising. We would raise if vulnerable but pass if not vulnerable, so we pass.

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