The Verdict in 48 Hours

Last year’s Bermuda Bowl held in Monte Carlo caused quite a stir as the winner wasn’t known until hours after play ended, because of an appeal. This makes me wonder: What was the longest wait ever for such a verdict? Never mind. Perhaps my clues will help you guess the tournament from which these problems came, but don’t wipe out over that. Just choose your calls as South.

In September 2004 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1410 entrants from 129 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.

The surf is up, so hop on your board and paddle out. A big wave is coming!
Catch it and you’ll be stoked for all six problems — but stay clear of the rocks!

Problem 1

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass Pass	North 1 2	East Pass Pass	South 2 ?	Q 3 9 6 A 8 3 A Q 7 5 3 2
			Your call? 2  2 NT 3  3  3  3 NT

Problem 2

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass Pass	North Pass 1 NT	East Pass Pass	South 1 ?	A Q J 8 7 5 K 6 4 K Q J 5
			Your call? Pass 2  2  2 NT 3  3  3 NT

Problem 3

IMPs		E-W vul		You, South, hold:
West 2	North 1 3	East Pass Pass	South 1 NT ?	A 10 6 K 8 7 10 2 Q 8 6 5 2
			Your call? Pass 3  3  3 NT 4  5

Problem 4

IMPs		Both vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 1	East 3	South 1 ?	Q 2 A Q 3 2 Q 9 7 A K J 4
			Your call? Pass X* 3 NT 4  4  5

*penalty

Problem 5

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 1 2	East Pass Pass	South ? ?	K 8 6 4 2 9 K Q J 10 9 7 5
			Your two calls?	A. 1 then 2 B. 1 then 2 NT C. 1 then 3 D. 1 NT then 2 NT E.  1 NT then 3 F.  2 then 2 G. 2 then 2 NT H. 2 then 3

Problem 6

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West 2 1	North 2 2	East 4	South 1 NT ?	K 7 J 7 A K 10 8 4 2 A 7 5
1. spades + other suit 2. cue-bid (game force)			Your call and opinion?	A. Pass, agree with 1 NT B. Pass, disagree with 1 NT C. Double, agree with 1 NT D. Double, disagree with 1 NT E.  4 NT, agree with 1 NT F.  4 NT, disagree with 1 NT G. 5 , agree with 1 NT H. 5 , disagree with 1 NT

 Click to see how you did

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© 2004 Richard Pavlicek