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.