Lesson 9(e) - Answers to Quiz

Have you tried the problems in Lessons 9(a) to 9(c)?

Here are the solutions:

1.    a.   2¨- negative - ªs can wait

     b.      3¨ - positive 8+ HCP, 5+¨ s

     c.      2ª - positive, higher of two 5-carders

     d.   2NT - positive, denies a decent 5-card suit

     e.   2© - positive 5+ biddable ©s 

 

2.   a.  3§ - longest suit first

      b.    2ª - very awkward - cheapest of 3 4-card suits (partner will always envisage 5ªs)

      c.  3¨ - hoping to bid 3NT if partner bids ªs

      d.    2© - no rush 

 

3.    a.   3§ - you have to say something! And if NT is to be the final contract, better for the strong hand to be declarer.

      b.   4ª - support but no interest in slam with no first or second round controls.

     c.     3ª - stronger than 4ª.  You have 3 trumps, an ace and a singleton - a very good negative.

      d.       3© - partner won't be expecting much

 

4.    a.   4NT - Blackwood, asking for aces, planning to bid 6 opposite 1 ace and 7 opposite 2.

        b.          4NT, as above

        c.          3¨ - no rush 

 

5.          a.     1ª - too strong for a Weak Two & not a single-suiter  (13 opening points)

        b.     Pass - shocking suit

        c.     2© - perfect Weak Two

        d.         3¨ - as you will learn in a moment with a good 7-card suit

        e.          Pass - not a single-suiter

        f.           Pass - no Weak Two available in clubs 

 

6.          a.    3© - nuisance bid, no interest in game

        b.       4© - should have a good chance

       c.   4© - an advance sacrifice, but they won't be sure you don't hold the previous hand

         d.      2NT inquiry - willing to push to game opposite a good Weak Two with a club or spade honour, otherwise sign off in 3© if partner is minimum 

 

7.             a.     3NT - maximum Weak Two with solid ªs    

         b.     3¨ - maximum Weak Two with ¨ A or ¨ K

         c.     3ª - a real stinker of a Weak Two 

 

8.            a.     2NT - no © support, some outside values, have to bid something!

         b.     3© - support

         c.     3§ - no © support, some § values 

 

9.            a.     Pass - quite misleading to pre-empt with such a rotten suit

         b.         3§ - classic pre-empt

         c.         1© is a possibility with 2 aces and a good 7-carder with 10HCP; or 4© with 7 playing tricks. 

 

10           a.    5§ - 7½ playing tricks, lie by 3½ at favourable vulnerability

          b.       4ª - with 6+ tricks & a 7-4-1-1 bid the max

          c.        3¨ - 5+ tricks, irresistible at favourable 

 

11.     a.    3ª - 7 playing tricks, lie by two at all vul

          b.       2© - poor © pips make a 3-level bid dangerous when vulnerable vs not

          c.       3§ - a tactical choice - not likely to miss game opposite a passed partner & obstructing the opponents more than with a 1§ opening; or go quietly with 1§

 

12.     a.   3ª - try for a ª game if partner can support, otherwise go back to 4¨

          b.      3NT - looks the best hope for game

          c.       5¨ - should have a chance

 

13.           a.   4© - definitely not 3NT with only a singleton © as you may never be able to enjoy partner's © winners.  Your 4½ honour tricks will hopefully balance a possible extra trump loser

           b.      Pass - as quickly as you can.  You are happy for the opponents to enter the bidding & they won't if you huddle!.

           c.       4© - furthering the pre-empt & making it difficult for the opponents to know if you hold this hand or hand a. 

ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ § ª © ¨ § ª ©