ANSWERS TO BRIDGE QUIZ

ANSWERS TO BRIDGE QUIZ

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x10 6 4 uA J 4 vK Q 9 7 wK 8 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v 1x Dbl* Pass

?

*negative, for takeout

What do you bid?

A. The only course of action is to bid one no trump — that should show a balanced minimum without necessarily promising a stopper in the enemy suit.

Q. North-South vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K 8 6 5 u9 6 vQ 8 wK 10 6 5

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Dbl Rdbl 3u

Pass 4u Pass Pass

?

What action do you take?

A.Since you cannot double four hearts, and since partner has shown no great liking for you to play four spades, you must bid five clubs.

Q. As South, vulnerable, you hold:

xK 10 7 uA 10 vK J 6 wA K J 9 3

The bidding has proceeded:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 1NT Pass Pass

?

What action do you take?

A. Essentially, all doubles of no-trump contracts are for penalties, so partner should play you for a hand too strong for a one-no-trump opener. He should pass all doubles except with a near-yarborough and a long suit. Double.

Q. Both vulnerable, as South you hold:

x5 u9 7 6 4 2 v7 wA J 8 7 5 2

Partner opens the bidding with one heart. What action do you take?

A. Raise to four hearts.

Q. Neither vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA Q 8 5 uK Q 8 7 3 vVoid wA Q 10 2

Partner opens the bidding with one diamond. What do you respond?

A. Despite your 18 high-card points, this is not the hand for any jump shift or vigorous action -- you might need a lot of room to explore and your void in partner’s hand is a major flaw. Start with a quiet one heart and make sure your next bid is forcing.

Q. Vulnerable, as South you hold:

xA K 8 uJ 10 5 vA K 8 4 wQ J 7

Partner opens the bidding with one diamond. What do you respond?

A. Believe it or not, there is a textbook bid that describes your hand exactly — 16-18 points with no ruffing value, i.e., a 4-3-3-3 pattern. Jump to three no trump.

2008 Tribune Media Services