Goren Bridge

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

♠ K6 ♥ AKQJ62 ♦ 85 ♣ K84 Right-hand opponent opens 1♠. What call would you make?

A: This hand is not quite good enough to double and then bid hearts. Just bid 2♥.

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

♠ Q642 ♥ AQ962 ♦ QJ ♣ 103 Partner opens 1♣ and right-hand opponent overcalls 1♦. What call would you make?

A: Double on this precise auction promises at least 4-4 in the majors. Left-hand opponent may raise diamonds, so get both of your suits in. Double.

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

♠ A9642 ♥ J5 ♦ A872 ♣ Q10

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2♥ Pass Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: This hand would not be good enough to overcall in direct position, but you can’t sell out to 2♥. Bid 2♠.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ QJ653 ♥ A97 ♦ A ♣ 10 9 8 3

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ Pass 3♠* Pass *Invitational with at least 4-card support What call would you make?

A: When the invitation promises four-card support, any opening bid with a singleton should accept. Bid 4♠.

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

♠ Q864 ♥ A3 ♦ A ♣ KQ9862

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

A: This is not quite good enough to move towards slam, and nine tricks are easier than 11. Pass.

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

♠ A Q 10 6 4 ♥ 8 ♦ 10 ♣ AK8432

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

A: Don’t give up yet. Bid 3♠. 6-5 hands have huge potential.

(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. E-mail responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribpub.com.)

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