Goren Bridge

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

♠ K8 ♥ K 10 9 ♦ AQ32 ♣ A976 Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: You will probably end up in

3NT, but why not make a forcing diamond raise on the way. For most modern players, that is an inverted raise to 2♦.

Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AKJ64 ♥ 7 ♦ AK862 ♣ A8

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ 2♥ Pass 3♥ What call would you make?

A: Don’t even think about passing. There is too much to be gained by bidding. Bid 4♦.

Q: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AQJ96 ♥ A K 10 ♦ KJ92 ♣ 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass 4♠ Pass What call would you make?

A: Partner’s bid is pre-emptive — classically five trumps, a side ace, and a side singleton. Bid 4NT to make sure he has an ace, and then bid 6♠ if he does.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 42 ♥ Q J 10 2 ♦ A J 10 ♣ AK63 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1NT Pass 2♥* Pass

*Transfer to spades

What call would you make?

A: You have double stoppers in every other suit, but you must accept the transfer unless you love spades. Bid 2♠.

Q: North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K7 ♥ 108 ♦ 983 ♣ AK7632 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: Good suit, good cards, and an easy rebid. This hand is worth an opening bid. Bid 1♣.

Q: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AQ3 ♥ 10 ♦ AJ75 ♣ J8762 Partner opens 2♠, weak, and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Bid 4♠. You don’t really expect to make it, but you don’t want to defend 4♥ either.

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