Goren on Bridge

What call would you make?

A: The auction might be making your head spin, but you will never choose to defend 4S with this hand. Don’t wait for them to bid it. Bid 5C. Q 2: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ A1074 ♥ K108 ♦ 86 ♣ 10973 What call would you make?

A: Your doubleton diamond is probably worthless, but this hand is still a mandatory raise. Bid 3H.

Q 3: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J95 ♥ QJ10632 ♦ K532 ♣ Void

You open 2H, left-hand opponent passes, and partner bids 3C. What call would you make?

A: Partner usually starts with 2NT when he has tolerance for your suit. 3C is a forcing bid suggesting no tolerance for hearts. Try your other suit. Bid 3D.

Q 4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ Q632 ♥ AKJ10 ♦ A5 ♣ A64 What call would you make?

A: This hand is worth at least 19 points in support of hearts. It is too good for 3H. Bid 4H. Q 5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ J7653 ♥ AK ♦ Q85 ♣ AQ5 What call would you make?

A: Accept the invitation and show your five-card spade suit on the way to 3NT. Bid 3S.

Q 6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K9874 ♥ K ♦ KJ1042 ♣ J7

With the opponents passing, you open 1S and partner responds 2H. What call would you make?

A: You opened light hoping to find a fit and trouble is lurking. You don’t have the extras needed to bid 3D, so bid 2S. This does not promise a six-card suit in this auction. Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. Email responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.

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