"Once in a Lifetime" by Marti Ronemus

There's a "Once in a Lifetime" solar eclipse coming on Aug. 21. It will cross the country from Northwest to Southeast, and promises to be spectacular.

BUT!! Enquiring minds what to know, besides the darkening of the earth, what are the effects of such a complete eclipse? Will it change weather? Will we survive?

It indeed does affect weather in its path. Temperatures will drop anywhere from 5 to 15 degrees. And there's something called an "eclipse wind," which while far from ferocious, is still noticeable. We can understand why primitive man was terrified by eclipses.

And sometimes we're terrified about making the wrong bid. Fortunately we at Vu-Bridge are here to help and guide you through the darkness.

Question 1

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

Q: 1 - As South?

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	1♠
?

A: Double: Pard may hold four Hearts. You can't bid them after the overcall, as that would promise five. It's silly to bid 3♦. Yes, it would show a Diamond fit and 10-12 pts, but first we have to "nullify" holding Hearts.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ A 8 4
♥ 7 6
♦ A K 8 3 2
♣ Q 5 4

Q: 2 - South?

South	West	North	East
1♦	Pass	1♠	Pass
?

A: 2♠: Barbara Seagram reminds us that it is a myth that we must have four-card support to raise responder's major. Without a Heart stopper, No-trump isn't appealing. We can't rebid the Diamonds (with only five? Please.). We have a minimum hand.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

Q: 3 - South?

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

A: 3 No-trump: With only four Spades we shouldn't bid game in Spades. We definitely belong in game, but Pard has shown a minimum hand. What if he's holding the hand we saw in the last question? We're still a bit in the dark if we belong in Spades or No-trump. See the next question for the light to shine through.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ A 9 8 7
♥ 7 6
♦ A K 8 3
♣ Q 5 4

Q: 4 - South?

South	West	North	East
1♦	Pass	1♠	Pass
2♠	Pass	3 No-trump	Pass
?

A: 4♠: We know Pard has four Spades. His 3 No-trump bid was to protect us against a seven-card fit. We should now correct to 4♠. The sun is out again: We'd rather be in a suit contract.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

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

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♣	Pass
?

A: 1♦: This is another situation that often requires a further discussion. We know we are going to game but we're not sure where. The better our hand the slower we creep up the bidding ladder. If we only had a minimum hand, we'd jump Hearts. There is no way we can miss a major fit. Over our 1♦ bid, with a major, Pard will bid it.

And now, for our hand before it gets too dark to see the cards.

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

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