"Backpack Safety Month" by Marti Ronemus

Who knew backpacks were such a danger to shoulders and backs? Who knew that kids toting all that knowledge in those bags were putting themselves in harm's way? Well, now we do. Take care!

And from a bridge point of view, this is yet another reminder to clean the garbage out of your bidding, and knock off those barnacles! Half the stuff we drag around is useless anyway!

Let's clean out the backpack with five questions and a dandy hand.

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - South?

South	West	North	East
1♦	Pass	1♥	Pass
?

A: 3 No-trump: It's silly to rebid the Diamonds. They are worth seven tricks in No-trump, and surely Pard can contribute what you need to make the contract. The lead is coming into your hand, which will make one of the kings good.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A 8
♥ A K Q 2
♦ Q 9 8
♣ Q J 8 3

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1 No-trump	Pass
2♣	Pass	2♦	Pass
?

A: 6 No-trump: Well, the points are there, and we've eliminated the chance of an eight card major fit. Anything else is certainly too cowardly for words.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ Q J 10
♥ K J 8
♦ Q J 10 9
♣ K 7 5

Q: 3 - South: What trick can you pull out of your backpack for this?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	1♠
?

A: 2 No-trump: So, what's your partnership agreement for a jump to 2 No-trump in competition? Do you play it 10/11-12 or 13/15? We like 13-15, but it's really up to you. Just make a decision and by all means share it with your Pard. Oh, and don't forget that your introducing No-trump into the auction promises Spade stoppers.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K Q 9
♥ 9 4 3
♦ K J 10 9 7
♣ 8 4

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1 No-trump	Pass
?

A: 3 No-trump: Yeah, yeah. It's only 9 HCP, but you've got that super-nice five-card suit. Live a little. Lighten the backpack and dream a little.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ A K 3 2
♥ K J 8 5
♦ 8 3
♣ 8 7 6

Q: 5 - South: Do you have something in your bag 'o tricks?

South	West	North	East
-	1♦	Dbl	Pass
?

A: 2♦: This is a great use for a bid of the opponent's suit. Were Pard doubling a major you could be sure he was holding four of the other major. Doubling a minor though, he could be holding 4-3 in the majors. Cuebidding gives him the chance to be protected against a 4-3 trump fit.

And now our hand. Put the backpack back on and let's get going.

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.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

Rate yourself:

0 - 40%	We applaud your effort. Review the subject and try again. You'll be surprised how much better you'll do. We're here for you!!
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51 - 60%	Nice improvement! One more review and you'll have this down solid!
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