Vu-Bridge Quiz | Vu-Bridge === Play like a Champion!

Protection Business by Paul Bowyer

In this series we are again looking at protectionism. Here, the auction is about to die (at a low level), and you have to decide whether to allow the opposition to buy the hand cheaply or whether you should bid something in an attempt to steal the deal.

First, some general concepts. When the auction grinds to a halt at a low level, it usually means that the points are reasonably evenly distributed around the table. That means you and your partner have as much right to this contract as the Bad Guys.

So the principle is that you should be keen to get in there and compete. The art, though, is knowing just how far to do so.

These quiz questions may help guide your decisions in protecting and balancing.

We are also going to put you in the seat where partner has protected. What do you do next?

Question 1

South
♠ 6 5
♥ K Q 7 6 2
♦ A 10 7 4
♣ J 6

Q: 1 - You are in fourth seat and the opening bid comes around to you. What action (if any) do you take?

South	West	North	East
	1♠	Pass	Pass
?

A: 2♥. There is no way that you should overcall 2♥ on this hand if 1♠ were opened on your RIGHT. In that case there would be a hand of unknown strength on your left and you may well be sandwiched between two good hands - in that case you'd be likely to suffer a nasty penalty. Here, though, your right-hand opponent is a broken reed so you can bid on seaweed with the aim of either stealing the deal or forcing East-West beyond their comfort zone.

Your result so far:

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Question 2

South
♠ A J 7 2
♥ 10 3
♦ K 9 2
♣ Q J 8 3

Q: 2 - You are in second seat. What action should you take next?

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

A: Pass. Partner doesn't rate to have too much - he is only bidding 2♥ so that the opponents don't buy the auction too cheaply. 2NT (suggesting game in No-trumps) is over-ambitious. Had the bidding started 1♠ on your left and 2♥ as a direct overcall then you would have bid 2NT on this hand - direct overcalls should be treated with respect.

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Question 3

South
♠ A J 5 2
♥ 9 3
♦ Q 10 4
♣ K 10 8 6

Q: 3 - You are in fourth seat and the opening bid comes around to you. What action (if any) do you take?

South	West	North	East
	1♥	Pass	Pass
?

A: Double. You wouldn't have bid over an opening bid on your right but here it is clear cut to do so. Partner shouldn't expect the earth for a protective Double - 10+ points and a shortage in the bid suit is fine.

Your result so far:

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Question 4

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

Q: 4 - You are in second seat. What action should you take next?

South	West	North	East
			1♥
Pass	Pass	Double	Pass
?

A: 1♠. Well, you may think this obvious - partner has made a take-out Double and you are taking it out by bidding your best suit. However, had the bidding started 1♥ on your left and Double from partner we would be urging you to bid (at least) 2♠ on this hand to distinguish it from a possible Yarborough that would be forced to bid 1♠. Here, after a protective Double, you do not need to be so exuberant.

Your result so far:

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Question 5

South
♠ J 9 7 6
♥ 9 7
♦ K J 10 7
♣ A 7 4

Q: 5 - You are in second seat. What action should you take next?

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

A: Double. Your certainly couldn't take action in the direct seat (over 1♥), but you must protect your partner's 11-ish points, plus your own. You've got the right shape to bid at this stage. North will know you are light (you didn't bid over 1♥) and act accordingly. The most likely outcome of bidding here is that you will force the opponents to 3♥, where they might go down.

Your result so far:

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Question 6

South
♠ K 8 5 3
♥ A 4
♦ 9 4
♣ K J 8 6 3

Q: 6 - What action should you take next after partner backs into the auction with a protective Double?

South	West	North	East
	1♥	Pass	2♥
Pass	Pass	Double	3♥
?

A: Pass. Partner did not act over 1♥ and his Double of 2♥ was only aimed at protecting your values (or "balancing the auction"). You - or, more accurately, partner - has done the job of pushing the opponents to the three-level where they may go down. Do not over-compete the hand by bidding 3♠ or 4♣ now.

Your result so far:

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Question 7

South
♠ A Q 10 8 7 5
♥ A 7 5
♦ K 3
♣ 9 2

Q: 7 - You are in fourth seat and the opening bid comes around to you. What action do you take?

South	West	North	East
	1♥	Pass	Pass
?

A: 2♠. You may have your own ideas of what 2♠ means when it is bid immediately over 1♥ on your right and we have a small bet that this hand would not fit that bill...! However, in fourth seat it is usual to play a jump overcall to be this sort of hand. Too good for a simple overcall (which partner will not take seriously) but not good enough for a Double and then a suit bid (usually a far better hand than this one). The phrase is usually "an intermediate jump-overcall".

Your result so far:

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Question 8

South
♠ K 6
♥ 9 8 4 2
♦ A Q J 9
♣ Q 10 6

Q: 8 - You are in second seat. What action should you take next?

South	West	North	East
			1♥
Pass	Pass	2♠	Pass

A: 4♠. Partner - in the protective seat - has a decent opening bid with a good six-card Spade suit. That seems enough to have a shot at game opposite this hand.

Your result so far:

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Question 9

South
♠ A Q 8
♥ K J 6
♦ J 9 8 2
♣ K Q 10

Q: 9 - You are in fourth seat and the opening bid comes around to you. What action (if any) do you take?

South	West	North	East
	1♣	Pass	Pass
?

A: Double. You might be tempted into bidding 1NT but that, remember, would show about 12-14 points. Best is to Double first and then to bid 1NT, showing a hand too good to bid 1NT as a protective overcall.

Your result so far:

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Question 10

South
♠ 7 3
♥ A 10 5
♦ A Q 10 7
♣ 9 8 4 2

Q: 10 - You are in second seat. What action should you take next?

South	West	North	East
			1♣
Pass	Pass	Double	Pass
1♦	Pass	1NT	Pass
?

A: 3NT. A 1NT "rebid" after a protective Double is the equivalent of having opened a strong No-trump. North has 15-17 points or thereabouts. With that information it is clear cut to raise to game in No-trumps.

Your result so far:

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Overall Results

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What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
More informations on our website: www.VuBridge.com

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Protection Business by Paul Bowyer

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Overall Results

"Vubridge is, hands down, the best way to learn the game of bridge." Jane M...

"This is a most helpful site. I like it because it focuses on one area and through that it helps with making you focus on the bidding." Merle M......

"Hopefully, I am learning way more than I thought I knew!! Only my first day with the quizzes, I am looking forward to more." Leslie A...

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands. It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...

It really helps in having the feedback after we submit an answer. Where else can we get one-on-one tutoring in the comfort of our own home. Ramona G.

I love by Vu Bridge Blue. A great investment and refresher for someone who hasn�t played in decades. Count me in whatever follows my current subscription. Mary H.

The Vu-Bridge system guides players through every step of the bidding process - and nudges you in the right direction when you're about to make a wrong move. It's easy, quick, practical - and user-friendly, which is a massive positive for any bridge playing or learning software. Great Bridge Links

Protection Business by Paul Bowyer

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Overall Results

I am very pleased with the quality of your initial quizzes and bridge hands.
It seems like a great way to learn bridge." Martin C...