"Sounding Smart" Small Hand Responses by Marti Ronemus

A surprising number of us bridge players are also passionate crossword aficionados. Here is a collection of some obscure words to work into your conversation this week.

BUCCULA--a double chin. (We KNOW you can use that!)
ECHINATE--covered with spikes, thorns (kind of like Pard sometimes?)
INFUCATION--applying make-up. A big word for a small chore.
MALVERSATION--acting corruptly while in political office or a position of trust. (I will resist all comments on THIS one!)
PERVICACIOUS--stubborn, obstinate. (What, me?)
ROCAMBOLESQUE--too bizarre to be believed. (Like many of my bids.)

Well, off we go to be pervicacious in our quest for the perfect bid. Today we will find the ideal response even though we have miniscule hands.

Question 1

Your Hand
♠ J 7 5 4
♥ A 9 4 2
♦ 2
♣ 5 4 3 2

Q: 1 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	Pass
?

A: 1♥: Yeah, yeah, yeah. We've only got 5 High Card Points, and our singleton is in our Pard's first-named suit. BUT!! When your 5 points are an Ace and Jack, try to squeeze a bid in. You won't be in too deep.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 2

Your Hand
♠ J 7 5 4
♥ Q J 2
♦ 4 2
♣ J 9 5 2

Q: 2 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♦	Pass
?

A: Pass: 5 points again, but UGLY!! This hand quacks like a duck. No real shape, scattered honors.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 3

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

Q: 3 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	Pass
?

A: 2♥: This is pretty much a no-brainer... and to provide a contrast to the next question...

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 4

Your Hand
♠ 5 4 3
♥ K 8 4 3
♦ Q 9 8 7 2
♣ 4

Q: 4 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	Pass
?

A: 2♥: The point count is lower, but the shape more than makes up for it. The singleton adds 3 points because we're going to be dummy.

Your result so far:

Open Question

Question 5

Your Hand
♠ 5 4 3 2
♥ K 8 4 3
♦ J 9 8 7 2
♣

Q: 5 - South:

South	West	North	East
-	-	1♥	Pass
?

A: 2♥: If you pass this one, it's perfectly okay. BUT!! You've got nine cards in two suits. You've got a void. You've got a nine-card trump fit. How can you resist? If Pard gets upset, tell him this is NOT an example of malversation.

And now, off to our hand, which we hope isn't too rocambolesque.

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!