Bridge

Q1– Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AKJ10 ♥ AQ63

♦ 875 ♣ K2 Right-hand opponent opens 2D, weak. What call would you make? A– Too strong to pass and slightly off-shape for a takeout double. We would double anyway and live with a club response by partner.

Q2– North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 2 ♥ A1084

♦ Q64 ♣ A9865

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Dbl Redbl 2♦ Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A– Bidding 2NT is almost always a poor choice when you have the option to double and defend. Double and defend.

Q3– East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ KQ63 ♥ KJ

♦ 86 ♣ KJ1086

Partner opens 1S and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A– You are headed for at least four spades but describe your hand on the way there. Partner might have extras. Bid 2C.

Q4– Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A84 ♥ 9

♦ A98753 ♣ A73

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ 1♥ Pass Pass What call would you make?

A– You must reopen whenever you are short in their suit because partner might have a strong hand that wants to defend. Double, for takeout, but he can convert it by passing.

Q5– North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J85 ♥ AKJ7

♦ J1073 ♣ A8

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♠ Pass Pass ? What call would you make?

A– Pass, 1NT, and 2H would all have their day in the sun, but we think the percentage action is double.

Q6– East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Q64 ♥ AQ65

♦ KQ65 ♣ 62

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♦ Pass 1♠ 2♣ What call would you make?

A– Bid 2S and bid it in tempo. Do not telegraph your three-card raise by bidding slowly.

Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to With Tannah Hirsch and Bob Jones Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. E-mail tcaeditors@tribune.com.