At the Bridge Table: Sept. 18

Here are some decisions that arose from casual and Internet play.

Here are some decisions that arose from casual and Internet play. 

 Q. 1—Sitting South, with North dealing and no one vulnerable, you hold:

♠ A J 7
♥️ Q 8 3
♦️ Q J 2
♣️  J 8 6 2

North and East pass. What do you bid?

A.—Though I’ve always bid something other than pass with 11 high-card points in the third position, I’d make an exception with this hand. It has five quacks (jacks and queens) and only one quick trick. I’d re-evaluate it at nine or 10 HCP. Pass.

Q. 2—Sitting South, with North dealing and both sides vulnerable, you hold:

♠ 9 8 7 6
♥️ A Q J 4
♦️ 10 8
♣️  J 7 3

North opens 1NT and East passes. What do you bid?

A.—Unlike the previous hand, this one can be upgraded. Add a point for three honors in South’s four-card heart suit, while giving the ♣️ J maybe half a point. The presence of two four-card majors increases the likelihood of a fit. Bid 2♣️. If North bids a major suit, raise to the three level. If  North bids 2♦️ to deny a four-card major, bid 2NT.

Q  3.— Sitting South, with North bidding and East-West vulnerable, you hold:

♠ A 7 5 2
♥️ 6 4
♦️ K J 8 6 3
♣️ 8 4

A,—North opens 2♣️, and you bid a waiting 2♦️. Now partner bids 3NT. What do you say?
A.—For partner to bid 2♣️ and then 3NT shows 25-27 HCP, with 33 HCP enough for a slam. Bid a slam-dunk 6NT.

Q. 4—Sitting South, with East dealing and East-West vulnerable, you hold:

♠ A J 10 8 4 2
♥️ J 8 6 5 4 3
♦️ J
♣️ —

East bids 1NT. What do you say?

A.—Believe it or not, you’ve got good values for a major-suit overcall: 6-6 distribution with seven HCP and only six losing tricks to go with favorable vulnerability. There are ways to describe your distribution depending on system. Playing Cappelletti, I’d bid 2♦️. to show both majors.

Q. 5—Sitting South, with East dealing and no one vulnerable, you hold:

♠ K Q 6 5
♥️ 10 9 8
♦️A K 5 4
♣️ 5 4

East opens 1♣️. What do you say?

A.—Traditional bidders wouldn’t double without two four-card majors. Recent investigation says don’t be a stick-in the-mud: double. Modern style recommends at least three cards in each unbid suit, unless you have a monster hand that you can explain on another bid after the double.

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