Challenge 7W89 Main Analyses

A Gem-Rich Zoo in Zambia

by Richard Pavlicek

Your search for precious gems brings you to a wild game preserve in Africa. While you’re here, try this bidding challenge based on six problems from a past tournament. When and where? That’s my little secret, but don’t let that bother you. All you have to do is choose your call as South from the choices offered.

In July 2002 these problems were presented as a poll, with 875 entrants from 108 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.

Are you ready? Then start looking for gems; but be careful! Whatever you do: Don’t pet the animals!

Problem 1

IMPs		None Vul		You, South, hold:

`WEST` Pass	`North` 2 ¹	`East` Pass	`South` ?	A K Q J 9 6 2 K Q 10 9 7 4

1. weak			Your call: Pass 2 NT (only force) 3 3 NT 4 5

Problem 2

IMPs		E-W Vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass	`North` 3 NT¹	EAST Pass Pass	`South` 1 ?	A K Q J 5 4 2 4 2 6 5 6 2

1. 17-18 balanced			Your call: Pass 4 4 NT 5 5 NT 6 6 NT

Problem 3

IMPs		None Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass	`NORTH` Pass 2 NT	`East` 1 Pass	`South` 2 ?	A 8 4 3 A K 7 5 3 2 10 6 K

			Your call: Pass 3 3 3 NT 4

Problem 4

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` 2 ¹	North Dbl	`East` Pass	SOUTH Pass ?	5 2 K 7 5 4 3 K J 8 7 Q 7

1. 10-15, 5+ hearts, 4+ clubs			Your call: Pass 2 NT 3 3 NT 4

Problem 5

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` 2 ¹	North 3	`East` 4	SOUTH 1 ?	6 4 A K 6 3 2 J 3 A K J 8

1. weak			Your call: Pass Double 4 NT 5 5 5 NT

Problem 6

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

`WEST` Pass Pass	North Pass 1	`East` 1 Pass	South Dbl ?	A Q 3 6 5 A K J 5 4 2 A Q

			Your call: 2 2 2 3 3

Click to see how you did

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