Daily Bidding Questions by Frank Stewart

When Frank Stewart's "Daily Question" column was (and is still) published, each hand has a companion bidding question which is, or is not, related to the said hand.

With Vu-Bridge, best is to gather these questions as a quiz, for your enjoyment...

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ K 2
♥ K 10
♦ K J 8 7 4 2
♣ J 6 2

Q: 1 - As South, what do you bid over partner's 3♦?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♠	Pass
2♦	Pass	2♥	Pass
2NT	Pass	3♦	Pass
?

A: 5♦: Expert opinion might vary. In "Standard" methods, most experts would treat partner's sequence -- an unlimited bid of two hearts, then belated diamond support -- as forcing. Bid five diamonds, hoping he will bid slam with A9653, AQ63, AQ3, 4.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ 8 4
♥ K Q 10 4
♦ K 9 8 3
♣ A J 6

Q: 2 - You are South. The dealer, at your right, opens one spade. You double, and your partner bids three hearts. What do you say?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♠
Dble	Pass	3♥	Pass
?

A: Pass: Partner's jump-response is invitational to game but not forcing. He promises about 10 points and may have only four cards in hearts. If his hand were stronger, he could have bid four hearts or cue-bid two spades. Pass. If your clubs were A-Q-6, you could barely justify a raise.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 7
♥ K J 9 5 3
♦ K 7 6
♣ Q 9 7 3

Q: 3 - What do you say next (as South)?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	Pass
1♥	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 1NT: You have options, some better than others. A bid of two clubs would be forcing and unlimited, and you need to limit your strength. A rebid of two hearts would show a weak hand but longer or at least stronger hearts. A return to two diamonds might work, but you would prefer better support. Bid 1NT.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A J 8 4
♥ Q 8 3
♦ K 7 5 3
♣ Q 3

Q: 4 - Neither side vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, passes. What do you say (as South)?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	Pass
?

A: Pass: This is not an opening bid in my judgment. The defensive values to open are lacking, and the hand has no long suit and no intermediates. At matchpoint duplicate, a case would exist for opening in second position to avoid a passed-out deal (a possible disaster) if partner had a borderline opening but no length in spades.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A 7
♥ K 8 7 6 4
♦ 8 3
♣ 9 8 5 4

Q: 5 - Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT and he bids two hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say as South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♠	Pass
1NT	Pass	2♥	Pass
?

A: 4♥: As seven-point hands go, this one is as potent as can be. You have a fifth heart that will be a winner and an ace that will help set up partner's side suit. A minimum hand for him such as K Q 10 4 2, A J 5 3, A 5 4, 2 may produce 12 tricks at hearts. Bid four hearts and put down your dummy with no apologies.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Overall Results

Your results: out of Average:

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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