Intermediate Quiz 1

Page 2 of 3

Solution Quiz 1

1. ♠xx ♥Ax ♦xxx ♣AQxxxx

Bid 3♣. Remember that jumps are invitational. When three suits are bid the only way to force to game, besides bidding it or asking for aces, is to bid the fourth suit.

2. ♠xx ♥AJ10xx ♦xxx ♣KQx

Hard hand. Playing a weak notrump this hand is easy. Here not so much. You are on the borderline of inviting. 1NT is probably best, especially at matchpoints. The lack of a diamond stopper is offset by the high card maximum.

2♣, a definite maximum, or 3♣with no guarantee of an eight or even a seven card fit is misguided. A close second is 2♥, especially at matchpoints.

3. ♠x ♥Q109xxx ♦Qx ♣KQxx

2♥or 3♥close second. Some partnerships play 3♥as a strong club raise. If you don’t it shows a good suit, usually at least six cards, and invitational to game values.

4. ♠AK ♥xxxxx ♦xx ♣xxxx

2♠, simple preference. Same reasoning as #2 above. Play in a sure 5-2 fit rather than a 4-4 or 3-4 club contract.

5. ♠- ♥Q10xxx ♦Qxxxxxx ♣x

Can’t bid 2♦, as that is game forcing and artificial. Best of a very bad lot is 2♥. Incidentally, why respond in the first place with a 4 HCPs and a void in partner’s suit?

6. ♠x ♥xxxx ♦Axxxxx ♣Kx

1NT. Over 1♣I would have bid 1♦, not 1♥, so I could have rebid 2♦over any rebid, or raised hearts. Now I am stuck with 1NT.

7. ♠xx ♥Axxx ♦J10xxxx ♣x

Same as 6.

8. ♠xxxx ♥Axxxx ♦xx ♣AK

Close between 3♠invitational and 4♠. I think the AK in partner’s suit and your pure points warrants the game bid. What is the difference between 4♠and 2♦on this auction? 2♦shows a better hand. 4♠says I want to be in game but I have no extra values.

This is the principle of fast arrival: In a game forcing auction the slower you go when a fit is found, the better the hand.

9. ♠x ♥K1098x ♦AJxxx ♣Kx

Jump to 3♦. We know this not game forcing, as 2♦is how we force to game. So what is it? 5-5 in the suits bid and invitational values. Opener should value a hand with high cards in the red suits, and aces in the black suits. And obviously an eight card fit is desirable!

For example, ♠AQJx ♥Kxx ♦x ♣QJxxx is 13 HCPs, a fit and a ruffing value, but the correct bid is 3♥. However change the hand slightly to less high cards ♠Axxx ♥AJ ♦K10 ♣xxxxx, this hand is definitely worthwhile accepting on.

10.♠xxxx ♥KJxxxx ♦xx ♣x

Pass. Your goal responding with subminimum values was to improve the contract. You have done very well finding a 4-4 fit. Don’t encourage partner who will play you for more. Most hands where game is makeable, partner should have rebid 2♠, not 1♠.

Quiz 2

Partner You

1♠ 1NT

2♣ ?