Q 1 – As South, vulnerable, you hold:
S-A J 8 4 H-A J 6 5 D-A 9 6 2 C-8
The bidding has proceeded:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1C Dbl Pass 2H
Pass ?
What action do you take?
A – Don’t make partner do your work. In support of hearts your hand is worth at least 16-17 points and partner’s jump shows 9-11. That’s enough for game, so jump to four hearts.
Q 2 – Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-K J 7 6 H-A Q 5 2 D-9 4 C-7 6 3
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1NT 2D ?
What action do you take?
A – You want to be in game, preferably in a 4-4 major-suit fit if there is one. Cue-bid the opponent’s suit as a substitute for Stayman. Bid three diamonds.
Q 3 – East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-8 H-K Q J 9 8 5 2 D-J 7 6 C-9 5
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
3H Pass 4H 4S
?
What action do you take?
A – What would you like to do? Partner knows everything about your hand from the opening bid while you know nothing about his. Pass. Any further action is up to partner.
Q 4 – Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A Q 2 H-9 5 D-K Q 10 9 6 3 C-8 2
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1S 2D Pass 2S
Pass ?
What do you bid now?
A – The key feature of your hand is the spade fragment. Tell partner about it by bidding two no trump now, then abide by his decision.
Q 5 – Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A 9 H-6 D-A K J 9 7 6 C-8 6 5 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1D Pass 1H 1S
2D 3S– 4S Pass
?
–pre-emptive
What action do you take?
A – You have as close to a minimum opening bid as possible, especially since your singleton in partner’s suit is a disadvantage. Tell partner the bad news by rebidding diamonds one more time!
Q 6 – Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A K H-Q 6 5 D-A K 9 C-A Q 10 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2C Pass 2D Pass
2NT Pass 3C Pass
?
What do you bid now?
A – Partner’s three clubs is Stayman looking for a major suit. Unfortunately, you cannot oblige. Bid a negative three diamonds and see how the auction proceeds.
(Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses to
.)
