"Fireworks Safety Month" by Marti Ronemus

Gee, a whole month spent making people aware to beware of fireworks. The people needing to be warned are probably the same people "Don't put this plastic bag over your head" is written for. Interestingly, over 19,000 people annually show up in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries. So, THINK before you strike that match!

Speaking of thinking... What makes for explosive fireworks at the table? What is more combustible than preempts? So today we practice safety over preempts. First though, know that these dirty low-down bids do upset auctions. They do their job. We can only struggle to compete.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ A Q 10 5 4 3 2
♥ 5
♦ Q 2
♣ A Q 8

Q: 1 - RHO opens with a preempt. What should you as South do?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	2♥
?

A: 3♠: There's a little saying in bridge that, when the bid to your right is WEAK, a jump by you is STRONG. And vice-versa. Our jump shows an invitational hand with a nice suit. Bam!

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ K Q J 10 4 3 2
♥ 4 3
♦ 8
♣ 4 3 2

Q: 2 - South again:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	3♥
?

A: Pass. We cannot preempt ourselves (see last question). We don't have enough points to enter the auction at the three-level. Double is not an option. To bid now shows a hand better than we have. We don't want things exploding in our face.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

Q: 3 - South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	3♠
?

A: 4 No-trump: It's our old friend, The Unusual No-trump, making a desperate attempt to put out the fire East started. We are showing great strength and length (at least 5-5) in the minors, asking Pard to pick one. It can't be confused with any other bid, like Blackwood. Honestly.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A 4
♥ 3 2
♦ A K Q J 6 3 2
♣ Q 5

Q: 4 - South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	2♥
?

A: 3♥: Most players agree that a cuebid over a two-level preempt tells Pard we've got a rock of a minor suit, and to bid 3 No-trump if he has a stopper in the opponent's suit. If not? Bid cheapest minor and we'll correct.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	3♣
?

A: 4♣: It's our friend Michaels, promising length and strength in the majors. Since you're committing your partnership to game, you better have it, too, or guaranteed trip to the emergency room coming up.

Now that we've negotiated this safely, let's try a hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Play on ANY Device

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!