Weekly Bridge Quiz

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Goren Bridge

Bob Jones

1. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ K 9 3
   ♥ A J 4
   ♦ Q 9 8 6 4
   ♣ Q 2
   With the opponents passing, you open 1♦ and partner responds 1♥. What call would you make?
   What call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   1NT is a reasonable choice, but with three good hearts and a ruffing value, we prefer to raise. Bid 2♥.
2. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold::
   ♠ Q 7 5
   ♥ 10 3
   ♦ A 8 4
   ♣ K Q J 10 9

   West	North	East	South
   1NT	Pass	Pass	?

   What call would you make?
   

   ANSWER

   We would surely choose to defend if partner will lead a club, but a partner that good doesn’t exist. We’d like to bid 2♣, but most of us can’t because that bid is conventional. Pass and root for a club lead.
3. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ J 10 9 4 3 2
   ♥ J 10 8 4 2
   ♦ —
   ♣ 9 6
   Partner opens 1♦ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   It is easy to imagine wonderful things happening if we respond one spade, but horrible things can also happen. Pass.
4. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ A 7 6
   ♥ Q 54 3 2
   ♦ A K Q 8
   ♣ 4
   Right-hand opponent opens 1♣. What call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   We usually prefer to overcall in a five-card major rather than making a takeout double. The hearts in this hand are so weak that we prefer to double.
5. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ A J 5 3
   ♥ 10 8 4
   ♦ A 10 7 6
   ♣ K Q

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

   What call would you make?
   

   ANSWER

   We would pass in a team game or a social game, but it can’t be winning strategy to pass at matchpoints. Double and hope the doubleton club isn’t fatal..
6. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
   ♠ Q J 5
   ♥ A K 7 2
   ♦ A K 9
   ♣ J 8 3
   As dealer, what call would you make?
   
   ANSWER

   We only open 1♦ on a three-card suit with 4-4-3-2 distribution, so that we almost always have four diamonds when we open in that suit. Bid 1♣.