Weekly Bridge Quiz

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Goren Bridge


Bob Jones

  1. Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠K J 9 5 4 3
    ♥Q 2
    ♦6 2
    ♣10 7 3
    Right-hand opponent opens 1♦. What call would you make?
    ANSWER
    It’s OK to have a minimum for your action, and we don’t mean for a 1♠overcall. Bid 2♠.
  2. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠J 7 6 5
    ♥A Q 4 2
    ♦J 8 6
    ♣A 7

    South West North East
    1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass
    2♥ Pass 3NT Pass
    ?

    What call would you make?

    ANSWER
    This is a suitable hand for play in notrump, but partner might be counting on you for a diamond stopper after your opening bid. You don’t have one. Bid 4♥.
  3. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠Q 97 5 2
    ♥—
    ♦K Q 10 5 4 2
    ♣9 8

    West North East South
    1♣ Dbl 1♥ ?

    What call would you make?

    ANSWER
    This is a terrific hand after partner’s takeout double. Game will be easy if he doesn’t have too many wasted values in hearts. Bid 4♠.
  4. Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠7 6  
    ♥Q 9 8 6 
    ♦A Q J 6 
    ♣Q 10 4
    Partner opens 1♠ and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?
    ANSWER
    Forcing one notrump players can bid 1NT, planning to bid 2NT next unless partner rebids 2♥. Most don’t play that, so bid 2♦ and try to put on the brakes short of game if partner has a minimum.
  5. North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠K 9 4 3 2 
    ♥A Q 5 
    ♦10 9
    ♣K Q 4
    Left-hand opponent opens 1NT, 15-17. Both partner and right-hand opponent pass. What call would you make?
    ANSWER
    The spade suit is pretty weak for an overcall, so we prefer to double. Should partner pass, we can deliver a pretty good defensive hand. Should he bid, we can decide whether or not to bid spades.
  6. East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
    ♠K 8 5 2
    ♥A 10 9 7
    ♦A 6   
    ♣K 7 3

    West North East South
    1♦ Pass 1♥ ?

    What call would you make?

    ANSWER
    Too weak to bid 1NT and the spades aren’t good enough to bid 1♠. A double after they bid two suits shows 4-4 in the other two suits. Nothing really fits. Pass.