Goren Bridge

QUESTION 1: Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 8 7 ♥ K75 ♦ A86 ♣ K973 Three passes to you. Do you open or not?

A: We want our partners to be sound when they open in 1st or 2nd position, so we open light in 3rd or 4th. This is too light. Pass.

Q: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 985 ♥ K 10 4 ♦ K75 ♣ AK53 SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♣ Pass 1♠ 3♥

Pass Pass Dbl Pass What call would you make?

A: 3NT should be a reasonable contract, but at this vulnerability, we would go for penalties. Pass.

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

♠ 64 ♥ Q4 ♦ A K Q 10 ♣ Q J 10 6 3

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 3♣ Pass ?

What call would you make?

A: What’s the best game? 3NT, 4S, or 5C? Bidding 3D now is the best way to find out. Bid 3D.

Q: Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ K 10 8 5 ♥ K 6 4 ♦ AQ985 ♣ 6

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1♦ 2♣ Dbl* 3♣ *Negative

What call would you make?

A: As a supporting hand for spades, this hand is well worth a bid at the three level. Bid 3S.

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

♠ AK965 ♥ J6 ♦ QJ875 ♣ 4

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ Pass Pass 3♣ Dbl Pass What call would you make?

A: Partner’s double is not strictly for penalties. It just shows a maximum for his previous bidding and lets you decide. Our decision? Bid 3S.

Q: East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ A 10 6 ♥ A6 ♦ 10 9 7 ♣ J7642 Partner opens 3D and right-hand opponent passes. What call would you make?

A: Passing will let your opponents find out which major they belong in and how high to bid. Instead, bid 4D and then defend four of either major, if they bid it.