"Balancing Act" It's up to YOU! Part 1 by Marti Ronemus

There have been two passes to you, and if you don't bid, the auction is OVER. Should you take action? Should you let it go? When the auction is at a low level, below 2♠, you should strongly consider taking action. The points are probably fairly evenly divided around the table and the auction may well belong to the brave. Always in the front of your mind should be the realization that to go down -50 or -100 is better than allowing Them to make 140 or 110.

Here's a little guideline to help you decide. Mentally steal a king from your Pard's hand and bid as you would with three more points. Your choices are to overcall, which promises a Darn Good five-card suit or double, which promises shortness in the opponent's suit, and four cards in unbid majors as well as tolerance for any other suit. And then there's Pass... choice number three.

This is a fun topic for members of the Clint Eastwood School of Bidding, since we hate to give in gracefully. We'll continue on Friday. For now, ready to try a few?

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - You're South. Should you act?

South	West	North	East
-	1♠	Pass	Pass
?

A: 2♣: You get to add 2 pts for distribution, and don't forget to steal 3 pts. from Pard. You're RICH! Think about the bidding a minute. East doesn't even have 6 pts, so Pard's gotta have something. We'll tell him about our Darn Good Suit and see what happens.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

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

Q: 2 - This auction has a little more action. What do you say?

South	West	North	East
-	-	-	1♥
Pass	2♥	Pass	Pass
?

A: Double: Once we've borrowed 3 pts from Pard, we've got the absolutely perfect Takeout Double. We didn't have enough to open, but we sure can get in the action now. It looks like points are evenly divided around the table, and we like anything Pard bids.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ 5 4 3
♥ 10 6 4
♦ Q 8 4 3
♣ K J 2

Q: 3 - This time our decision is tougher.

South	West	North	East
-	2♠	Pass	Pass
?

A: Pass: Preempts do their job. We can't double, since we've got the wrong shape. Our Pard doesn't have Hearts or HE would have doubled. Even after stealing from Pard we don't have enough "cash." We have no suit to overcall. Don't snivel. just Pass.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 8 4
♥ A J 6 4
♦ Q 9 4 3
♣ K Q 2

Q: 4 - Again, over a pre-empt:

South	West	North	East
-	2♠	Pass	Pass
?

A: Double: Not a hard decision, especially after "stealing" from Pard. We've got the shape and the points.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ J 8 5
♥ A Q 9
♦ K 6 5
♣ Q J 9 2

Q: 5 - Ready for your last chance on the balance bar?

South	West	North	East
-	1♥	Pass	Pass
?

A: 1 No-trump: What, you say? You've only got 13 pts? Remember, you are mentally removing 3 pts from Pard. That gives you plenty plus you've got Heart stoppers.

Great job! Now it's time to test our playing skills.

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!