"Celebrating Memorial Day" by Marti Ronemus

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, the kick-off day for Summer in America. There are picnics, parties, swimming pool openings, barbecues, billions of hotdogs consumed and a good time had by all. But as we go about our weekend, let's not forget what the day is all about, and take time for remembrance.

So, before we head to our next party, let's sharpen our bidding and play skills.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A 10 9 8
♥ K 9 8 4
♦ 3 2
♣ 4 3 2

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	3♣
?

A: Pass: Rats. We've got the shape for a Negative Double, but we'll be forcing Pard to the three-level. What if he's only got 12 pts? And if Pard were forced to rebid his own suit? Not a good thing.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ J 10 9 8
♥ A 10 9 6
♦ K 8 7 4
♣ 3

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	3♣
?

A: Double: While only 8 pts, this hand has a lot to offer. Let's start with the shape. We've got both majors and we're hoping Pard has one. If not, we've got dandy support for his original suit. Cool beans! (Baked beans, that is!)

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

Q: 3 - South:

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

A: 2 No-trump: Sort of a no-brainer, right? A rebid by responder of 2 No-trump shows 10-12 pts and that's just what we've got. But don't get too sanguine... keep this in mind as we bid our next hand...

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

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

Q: 4 - South:

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

A: 1 No-trump: What has changed? Pard opened in third seat and may well be light. Remember that in third seat, Pard often has "borrowed a king" from us. We want to be a little wary. Many would still bid 2 No-trump, but we suggest a slightly more cautious approach.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♣	1♥
?

A: 4♣: This is our friend, the Weak Freak. We know Pard has at least three Clubs, and our hand is an absolute Crummy Dummy in anything except Clubs. We're promising a hand so bad we shouldn't be bidding at all but we've got ruffing values as well as many many Clubs.

As soon as we play our hand we can hit the buffet barbecue table (did you see those steak sandwiches?!), so let's get to work.

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

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