Challenge 7Y65 Main Analyses

Wily Alvin Led USA in Tie

by Richard Pavlicek

If you believe this title, you’d believe almost anything; but you can rest assured it’s not about Alvin and the Chipmunks. Try to keep your mind on bridge — Alvin Landy? I don’t think so — as you try this bidding challenge on six problems from a past tournament. The venue is for me to know and for you to find out, though you’re welcome to guess from the clues. But don’t worry about that; just select your call as South on each problem.

In January 2004 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1257 entrants from 122 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. The object is to determine the best calls based on judgment,
so only basic conventions are allowed. For a system reference, see Standard American Bridge.

Are you ready to start the bidding tour? Then forget about Alvin, hop onto your bike and start pedaling. You’re only six brief stops from the finish line!

Problem 1

IMPs		E-W vul		You, South, hold:

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

			Your call? 2 3 3 4 * 4 * 4 4 NT

*splinter bid

Problem 2

IMPs		Both vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass Pass Pass	North 2 NT 3 4	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 3 4 ?	K Q 8 7 4 A 7 A Q 7 6 3 10

			Your call? Pass 4 NT 5 5 5 5 5 NT

Problem 3

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass	North 1	`East` 2	South ?	A J 7 5 K J 3 10 5 4 A 7 2

			Your call? Dbl 2 3 3 3 4 5

Problem 4

IMPs		Both vul		You, South, hold:

West	North 3	East Pass	South ?	K 6 A K Q 8 3 K Q 8 5 10 9

			Your call? Pass 3 3 NT 4 4 4 NT 5

Problem 5

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass Pass	North 2 3 NT	`East` Pass Pass	South 1 3 ?	K J 8 7 3 7 K 8 2 A K 6 5

			Your call? Pass 4 4 4 4 4 NT 5

Problem 6

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:

`West`	`North`	`East`	`South` ?	K J 8 7 4 3 J K Q J 10 8 2

			Preferred tactic as dealer?	A. Pass then Pass later B. Pass then show two-suiter C. Pass then bid clubs D. Open 1 E. Open 1 F. Open 3 G. Open 4

Click to see how you did

Challenge 7Y65 Main Analyses Scores Top Wily Alvin Led USA in Tie