Goren Bridge

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

♠ 8 ♥ KQJ752 ♦ 109 ♣ Q 10 4 3 With the opponents passing, you open 2H, weak, and partner bids 2NT. What call would you make?

A: Partner has asked whether you have a minimum or a maximum. You have a max with no “feature” to show. When your max is based on a big suit, bid 3NT. The suit doesn’t have to be solid.

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

♠ 10 9 5 2 ♥ AKQ73 ♦ K Q 10 5 ♣ Void

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♣ Pass 2♣ Dbl

Pass 2♥ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: This hand might produce game opposite a doubleton spade and a couple of red jacks. Partner might not accept with that hand, but you have to at least try for it. Bid 3H.

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

♠ A ♥ KJ94 ♦ A 10 9 5 ♣ A542 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: The recent rule changes have made opening 1NT with a singleton legal. This is exactly the hand they had in mind. Bid 1NT.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ Void ♥ K 10 9 8 4 2

♦ 97 ♣ A9842

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2♥ 2♠ 3♥ 3♠ What call would you make?

A: This hand will need a five-level decision before it’s over. Help partner make that decision by describing your hand better. Bid 4C.

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

♠ A3 ♥ Q 10 7 6 4 ♦ AJ743 ♣ 2

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

A: You are not going to defend two spades or three clubs. Keep describing your hand. It might help partner make a good decision. Bid 3D.

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

♠ J72 ♥ AQ984 ♦ Q73 ♣ A6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2♥ Dbl Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: Three no-trump, attractive at this vulnerability, will not play well. Your long suit will never develop because it is stacked behind you. Pass and go for penalties.

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