"Things We Take for Granted" by Marti Ronemus

What a week it is for inventions we take for granted. I'll bet you've got these three close at hand.

In 1902 American A. F. Calahan patented the envelope with a clear window. They're all over your desk, right?

Then, in 1943, Hungarian Laslo Biro patented the ballpoint pen. You've got dozens, and some of them probably even write.

(This reminds me of Back in the Day when we still used fountain pens. Does anyone share the memory of trying to fill one without making a mess?)

And finally, the Post-it Note. In 1968 Spencer Silver, while working for 3M accidentally found the adhesive that gave us what is one of the most useful ever "taken for granted" items.

And how about thinking about a tiny gift for Pard... showing we don't take him for granted? Maybe a ball-point pen? A packet of Post-it Notes?

Our theme today is bidding after you've passed.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ 3 2
♥ A J 9
♦ K J 5 2
♣ Q 10 7 6

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
Pass	p	1♠	p
?

A: 2 No-trump: We've got a flat hand with a doubleton in Pard's suit. Our bid guarantees 10-12 pts.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A J 3 2
♥ 2
♦ Q 9 8 7 6
♣ K J 2

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
pass	p	1♥	p
?

A: 2♦: This hand presents several problems. You could bid 1♠ and that wouldn't be wrong. 2 No-trump would show your point count, but would deny your shape. The nice thing about 2♦ is that it shows Pard we've got a five-card suit (probably) and 10-11 pts. exactly. If Pard holds four Spades, that will be his next bid, so we won't miss a Spade fit. Give yourself credit it you bid 1♠, as it's an excellent choice also.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ K J 9
♥ A 10 2
♦ Q 10 3 2
♣ J 6 5

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
p	1♠	p	p
?

A: 1 No-trump: In the balancing seat, after we've already passed, everyone at the table will take it for granted that you've got 10-11 pts with nice Spade stoppers. You already passed, so you can't possibly have more. (Unless you found a King in your hand, which occasionally happens, no?)

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

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

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
p	p	1♥	p
?

A: 3♥: If you were NOT already a passed hand, you would bid 2♦ and then support Hearts, showing three pieces. Normally a jump to 3♥ shows 10-12 pts and FOUR pieces of trump. BUT!! Remember that a new suit by a passed hand can be passed. Jump in Hearts to show support and your points. If this makes you nervous, tuck a Diamond in with your Hearts when you put the dummy down.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ K Q 10 6 5
♥ 7
♦ 3 2
♣ A 10 9 8 7

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
p	1♥	2♣	2♥
?

A: 3♠: A new suit by a passed hand is NOT forcing. If we want to force Pard to bid, and boy do we ever, we must jump shift. Our bid will show five Spades and force the auction for one round. It is not game-force.

And on to our hand.

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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