"Dangerous Advice" Big Hand Bidding by Marti Ronemus

Ever since 1975 when I saw the movie "Jaws," I've refused, wisely I think, to go in any water not completely contained by a man-made substance. Each summer, we get to see Shark Week on TV, and I admit to being very close to the TV that week.

One piece of information that seems to be part of the Conventional Wisdom is that if you are approached by a shark, just give it a good punch in the nose and it will go away.

For those of you who've been clinging to this piece of advice, let me be the first to tell you it just ain't so. Shark experts tell us that a smack on the face is the LAST thing that will chase a shark away! It's not gonna work, folks, so you better have a Plan B.

Instead, follow my advice. If you don't go in the water, they can't get you.

We have enough sharks at the bridge table to keep us amused for life.

And now, let's continue our adventures in Big Hand Bidding.

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
2 NT	Pass	4 NT **	Pass
?

**Invitational. Pard is NOT asking for aces. Rather going to 6 No-trump if we are at the top of our range or have something extra.

A: 6♠: We are at the top of our bid, but more importantly we have a chubby five-card suit. We have two good choices here. We can bid 6 No-trump (give yourself credit if you did so), or we can bid 6♠. The nice thing about our 6♠ bid is that it tells Pard we've got a five-card suit and that we're at the top of our bid. Remember when we open 2 No-trump we may have a five-card major. Pard can leave it or correct to 6 No-trump

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A Q 9 8
♥ A 4 2
♦ K J 9
♣ A Q 6

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
2 NT	Pass	4 NT **	Pass
?

**Invitational. Pard is NOT asking for aces. Rather going to 6 No-trump if we are at the top of our range or have something extra.

A: Pass: We have nothing extra. No extra points. No shape. Pass.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 4 3
♥ K 9
♦ K 9 8 5 3 2
♣ 4 3 2

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♣	p
2♦*	P	2 NT **	P
?

*Waiting. Says NOTHING about Diamonds
**22-23 pts

A: 3NT: You've got the points for game. Yes, it's tempting to put the contract in Diamonds, but your hand isn't a Great White Shark. Why force Pard to make 11 tricks? Make his life a little easier and bid 3 No-trump.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A 4
♥ 4 3
♦ A K 9 8 5 4
♣ 4 3 2

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	2♣	p
?

A: 3♦: Our jump shows two things: First, we've got interest in slam. Second, we've got a gorgeous independent suit Pard might find VERY useful.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
2♣	p	3♦**	p
?

**Slam-going values, great suit

A: 4 No-trump: I don't know about you, but I'm thinking about the possibility of a grand slam. There's not rush here, so let's find out a little more about Pard's hand.

And now, let's play a hand quickly so we can get to the beach. Where we will stay OUT of the water!

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!!
41 - 50%	Buy your mentor a cuppa and ask for clarification on the ones you got wrong. No mentor? Make finding one a priority!
51 - 60%	Nice improvement! One more review and you'll have this down solid!
61 - 80%	What a good job! All that's left is some fine tuning
Over 80%	Wow! It's time for you to become a mentor. Find someone who needs help and share your knowledge!