"What's in YOUR Sock Drawer?" Game? by Marti Ronemus

What do those Olympian champions do with their medals? A surprising number of them just tuck them in their sock drawer. Others, though, have gone in other directions.

Carl Lewis put one in his father's casket. When his mom questioned his decision, he said, "Don't worry. I'll earn plenty more." And he did!

Christie Rampone puts hers with her pots and pans. "No one will think to look there." Now they will. Better move them.

Lindsey Vonn keeps hers in her nightstand. "That way, if I've had a bad day, I can glance at them and know better times are ahead."

And so, for the next few minutes, let's pretend we are Olympians in bridge, and make some Gold decisions.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ Q 10 7 6
♥ 5 4 3
♦ K J 8
♣ A 10 8

Q: 1 - South:

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

A: 3 No-trump: We have game values (Do the Math!), and a four-card major. Why not use 2♣, asking Pard for a major? We have no shape. Our Pard has promised a flat hand, and with our 4-3-3-3 hand, we can't TRUMP losers or provide a long suit for declarer to DUMP losers. This hand belongs in No-trump.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ Q 10 7 6
♥ 5 4
♦ K J 8 6 5
♣ A 10

Q: 2 - South:

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

A: 2♣: NOW we look for the four-card major. We've got shape! If Pard responds 2♦, we'll place the contract in 3 No-trump, but first we look for the major fit.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

Your Hand
♠ K J 9 7 4
♥ A 7
♦ K 7 6
♣ Q 3 2

Q: 3 - South:

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

A: 4♠: We figure Pard for a minimum opener of 12-14, and four Spades. We've got a 14 pt hand, and that means game.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ K J 9 7 4
♥ A 7
♦ 9 7 6
♣ Q 3 2

Q: 4 - South:

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

A: 3♠: This time, we're not so sure about game. Pard might have only 12 pts, and even with our distribution, that might not be enough. Invite. Pass that Olympic baton.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ K J 9 7 4
♥ J 7
♦ J 7 6
♣ J 3 2

Q: 5 - South:

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

A: Pass: Even if Pard has 14, we can't scare up a game. Pass and live to run another day.

And now, a hand of Olympic quality. Plan where you're going to keep your medal.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Play this Hand

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

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Overall Results

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What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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