"Head Scratcher" by Marti Ronemus

I was having dinner with a friend last night and somehow the conversation turned to head lice. (I wish I could reconstruct the conversational path that brought us to that subject, but I can't. Wine, anyone?)

She told me that there are now "Lice Salons" where the whole family can go for a 100% guaranteed treatment to kill them (the lice, not the family). Really? First thing I did when I got home was Google to see if she was teasing me. Nope! This is a REAL THING, oh Faithful Readers. It seems head lice have evolved from a shameful situation suggesting an unclean household to a happy salon event, just like getting that facial or mani-pedi.

So now we know. Thank you, Colleen!

I'm sorry but I can't think of a segue from head lice to bridge, so let's just get on with our quiz.

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - South?

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

A: 6 No-trump: Honestly, what are you waiting for? The least combined points you can have is 33. The most you have is 35. There's no point using Stayman, as you have no shortness, and Pard is flat.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

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

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	Pass
Pass	1♦	2♦**	Pass
?

**Michaels Cuebid promising at least 5-5 in the majors

A: 2♠: We are not happy campers. We need an appointment to "the salon" for this. It is going to be a hot mess. We can't pass, and at least we have a nine-card Spade fit. Sadly, we will have to play this.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	1♦	2♦ **	Pass
?

**Michaels Cuebid promising at least 5-5 in the majors

A: 3♠: Unlike last question, we're delighted to bid. According to most Standard American bidders, Pard has either 7-11 points or 16-plus. Now it's up to Pard to show if he's mini or maxi.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

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

Q: 4 - South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
2♣**	Pass	3♠	Pass
?

**Michaels Cuebid, showing 5-5 in the majors and either 7-11 pts or 16-plus.

A: Pass: We're mini and are just glad Pard has to play this.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♣
2♣**	Pass	3♠	Pass
?

**Michaels Cuebid, showing 5-5 in the majors and either 7-11 pts or 16-plus.

A: 4♠: With our void, we've got a fabulous hand. Pard showed some serious interest in going forward.

And now, how about 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

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!