Challenge 7W41 Main Analyses

Bidding with Finess

by Richard Pavlicek

There is no misspelling despite what your eyes may perceive. I wish you success as you bid with finess these six problems from a past tournament. When and where? That’s my little secret, though I’ll give you a hint that spelling is a clue. But don’t worry about that. All you have to do is choose your call as South from the choices offered.

In July 2001 these problems were presented as a poll, with 583 entrants from 97 locations.
The poll is closed, but you can still try it as a quiz and find your score immediately.

Assume both sides use Standard American bidding (unless noted otherwise) with 15-17 notrumps, five-card majors and weak two-bids. Object is to find the best call based on judgment so only basic conventions are allowed. For a system reference, see Standard American Bridge.

So forget the duress, and make your best guess as you bid with finess.

Problem 1

IMPs		None Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` 1	`North` 2	`EAST` Pass Pass	`South` Pass ?	10 7 4 K 4 A 10 9 8 5 Q 6 3

			Your call? P 2 2 NT 3 3

Problem 2

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:

West 2 ¹	North Dbl	EAST Pass Pass	South Pass ?	Q 7 3 A 3 J 9 5 3 K 10 5 3

1. 11-15, 5+ clubs			Your call? P 2 2 2 NT 3 3 NT

Problem 3

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass	NORTH 1 2	`East` 1 Pass	South Pass ?	A J 6 — J 9 8 6 2 J 7 6 5 3

			Your call? P 2 2 NT 3 4 5

Problem 4

IMPs		E-W Vul		You, South, hold:

West 1	`NORTH` Pass 1 NT	East Pass Pass	`South` 1 ?	A Q J 3 — A 10 9 6 3 2 K 10 8

			Your call? P 2 2 2 2 NT 3 3 NT

Problem 5

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass Pass	North 1 3	East 1 Pass	SOUTH Pass 2 ?	K 9 A 10 8 7 4 2 Q J 9 10 3

			Your call? 3 3 3 3 NT 4

Problem 6

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:

West 1	NORTH Pass 2	East Pass 2	South 1 ?	A 3 K Q 10 8 7 5 A 9 9 7 2

			Your call? P 2 NT 3 3 3 3 NT 4

Click to see how you did

Challenge 7W41 Main Analyses Scores Top Bidding with Finess