Q 1 – Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A Q H-K 9 5 D-Q 9 8 3 C-J 7 6 2
The bidding has proceeded:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
1S Pass Pass ?
What action do you take?
A – In the immediate seat you do not have enough to double for takeout since you do not have a good enough holding in hearts. In the balancing seat, you may balance with one notrump. With 15-18 points and the enemy suit stopped, you would start with a double.
Q 2 – North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A J 10 7 6 5 H-K 9 D-10 9 4 C-7 5
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Your right-hand opponent opens with one heart. What action do you take?
A – Avoid making a weak jump overcall with a good six-card major and two-plus defensive tricks. Bid one spade.
Q 3 – East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-9 5 H-K 10 9 6 2 D-Void C-Q J 9 6 4 2
The bidding has proceeded:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
Pass Pass 1S Pass
2D Pass 2S Pass
Pass ?
What action do you take?
A – With the opponents bidding having suggested they do not have much of an advantage in high cards, it is time for you to tell partner you would like to compete in the auction. Bid two no trump! Your silence to this point makes it clear you intend it as a takeout for the unbid suits.
Q 4 – Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-A J 9 3 H-9 4 D-K Q J 6 3 C-8 3
The bidding has proceeded:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1S 2H 3D 3H
3S 4H 4S 5H
5S 6H ?
What action do you take?
A – There is nothing in the auction to suggest that partner has first- or second-round control in hearts. To prevent an accident, double now. Should you pass, partner might think that you are inviting him to bid slam with second-round heart control.
Q 5 – As West, vulnerable, you hold:
S-9 7 H-A K 4 D-Q 7 4 3 C-Q J 10 6
The bidding has proceeded:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1S Pass 2S Pass
4S Pass Pass Pass
What is your opening lead?
A – Let’s presume partner has a sure defensive trick. You will still need three tricks to defeat the contract, and your best chance is in clubs. That means you might need two entries to establish and cash a club, so lead clubs immediately.
Q 6 – Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:
S-6 5 2 H-A 9 7 D-7 4 3 C-10 9 6 5
The bidding has proceeded:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
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1S Pass 3C 3H
3S Pass 4S Pass
6S Pass Pass Dbl
Pass Pass Pass
What is your opening lead?
A – The one lead partner is not inviting is a heart — you would lead that suit if he had simply passed. What he wants is for you to lead the suit bid by dummy — so oblige and don’t even think of first cashing the ace of hearts. Lead a club.
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