GOREN ON BRIDGE

Q1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ J107 ♥ A53 ♦ J1087 ♣ K43

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

A: You could respond 1D, up the line, but why bother? You don’t want to play in diamonds. Bid 1NT.

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

♠ AQ ♥ 107 ♦ A875 ♣ A9763

As dealer, what call would you make?

A: You could guess which minor to open and plan your rebid, but we think this hand can be promoted to 15 points with its prime cards and 5-card suit. Open 1NT.

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

♠ K63 ♥ 762 ♦ K32 ♣ 10754

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 1♦ 1♠ Dbl* ? *Negative

What call would you make?

A: Respond to a 1-level overcall just like you would to an opening bid. Bid 2S.

Q4: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ AQ4 ♥ 10754 ♦ KJ6 ♣ K52

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♣ 2♦ 2♥ 2♠

What call would you make?

A: In a recent online game, the player with this hand bid 2NT and came to grief. In a competitive auction, the most important thing you can do is support your partner.

Bid 3H.

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

♠ Q107 ♥ KJ54 ♦ K7 ♣ K875

Partner opens 2D, weak, and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make? A: When partner pre-empts in your shortest suit, stay out of the auction unless you have a strong NT or the equivalent. Pass.

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

♠ A84 ♥ KQ764 ♦ Q10 ♣ AK9

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass

1NT Pass 2 ♦* Pass

2NT Pass ?

*New minor forcing

What call would you make?

A: You have barely enough for a slam try.

Bid 4NT, giving partner an easy pass if he

doesn’t want to continue.