Weekly Bridge Quiz

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Goren Bridge

Bob Jones

1. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ 3
   ♥ Q 2
   ♦ A 9 7 6 4
   ♣ K 9 6 4 3

   West	North	East	South
   2♥	Dbl	Pass	?

   What call would you make?
   

   ANSWER

   Even if 4NT showed both minors, this hand is not good enough for that bid. The best you can do is bid 3♦ and hope you get another chance to bid.
2. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold::
   ♠ A 8 4 2
   ♥ K 10 4
   ♦ K 9 2
   ♣ K 7 4
   Right-hand opponent opens 1♣. What call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   We want 14 points before making a takeout double with this distribution. This hand, with all prime cards and a couple of good intermediates, just makes the grade. Double.
3. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ A J 5 3
   ♥ Q 10 5
   ♦ Q 4
   ♣ 10 9 8 4

   North	East	South	West
   1♥	Pass	2♥	Pass
   2♠	Pass	?

   What call would you make?
   

   ANSWER

   Bid 3♠, which accepts the invitation and promises four cards in the spade suit. Partner doesn’t need four of them to bid 2♠, but he might have four. Let him choose.
4. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ A J 9 7
   ♥ A K Q J 5
   ♦ A 6
   ♣ 10 7

   South	West	North	East
   ♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
   ?

   What call would you make?
   

   ANSWER

   Assuming you play splinter bids, a jump to 4♠ shows 18-19 with no singleton ~ perfect. Make the same bid if you don’t play splinters. It just isn’t as meaningful.
5. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ Q J
   ♥ A 8 5 4 3 2
   ♦ K J 9
   ♣ 10 2
   As dealer, what call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   The QJ doubleton is a potentially big flaw. It is close between 1♥ and 2♥. We like 1♥.
6. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ A Q J 4
   ♥ A 8 5 4 2
   ♦ 7 2
   ♣ A 9
   As dealer, what call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   Should you open 1♥, this hand isn’t good enough for 2♠ over a likely response of 1NT. Open 1NT. It isn’t perfect, but it shows your points and semi-balanced shape.