Goren Bridge

What call would you make?

A: Hands like this have led to the overwhelming popularity of the Drury convention. A bid of 2C by a passed hand to show a fit with 10+ points is a good idea. Bid 2C.

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

♠ AQ53 ♥ AKJ964 ♦ 7 ♣ K10 Right-hand opponent opens 1D. What call would you make?

A: Double. Not only is this hand too good for a simple 1H overcall, double brings spades into the picture if partner has length in that suit.

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

♠ J764 ♥ A95 ♦ 64 ♣ A874 Partner opens 1D and right-hand opponent bid 3H. What call would you make?

A: Double. The hand is a bit light, but we would risk a negative double. You must be aggressive over a pre-empt or the opponents will steal your lunch.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K43 ♥ A 10 9 ♦ KJ874 ♣ 10 9 As dealer, what call would you make?

A: The rich spot cards make this hand worth a minimum opening bid. Bid 1D.

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

♠ KQ3 ♥ A4 ♦ J952 ♣ AKJ7 Right-hand opponent opens 1D. What call would you make?

A: A one no-trump overcall can be a little heavy — as much as 18 points. Bid 1NT.

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

♠ Q983 ♥ 108 ♦ A942 ♣ Q85 Partner opens 1C and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: In Charles Goren’s heyday, every expert would have bid 1D. Modern experts will respond 1S, focusing on the major. We like it! Bid 1S.

(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.)