Goren on Bridge

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

*Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A: Any bid you make here, as a passed hand, is a heart raise. Anticipate the opponents bidding to 4S and prepare partner for a five-level decision. Bid 4C.

Q 2: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ AQ53 ♥ K3 ♦ 754 ♣ K974

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

A: Don’t even think about 3NT without a diamond honor. Bid a quiet 4D and be content to defend against any higher contract by the opponents.

Q 3: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 1094 ♥ 864 ♦ K10763 ♣ AQ

Partner opens 1NT, 15-17, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Nine points and a five-card suit is enough to force to game. Bid 3NT.

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

♠ 108 ♥ 6 ♦ K109765 ♣ AJ95

What call would you make?

A: Don’t be put off by your doubleton spade. Partner’s spades must be massive to bid 4S after your pre-empt and he will love this dummy. Bid 5S.

Q 5: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 1064 ♥ 1098 ♦ KJ7 ♣ K986

What call would you make?

A: Partner is not asking you if you have a maximum 1NT response. He is showing his own 18-19 points. Bid 3NT.

Q 6: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ K10754 ♥ K873 ♦ Q ♣ KJ4

What call would you make?

A: Partner knows about both of your suits and is suggesting that 2D will be your best contract. Why argue with him? Pass.