A Large Gala Occasion

Modern world championships are becoming more and more like ACBL tournaments, with various events and divisions (open, ladies, seniors, transnational, etc.) to attract more players. While admirable in some respects, this loses focus in others. In the old days it was “one pot, one winner,” which everyone understood. Nobody had to ask, “Which event?” when the winner was crowned. Let’s drift back to one of those bygone tournaments. Perhaps my clues will reveal the venue, but don’t worry about that. Just choose your calls as South.

In November 2004 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1276 entrants from 120 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.

Solving these problems led to a huge delicious victory for one team.
Can you keep pace?

Problem 1

Total points		Both vul		You, South, hold:
West 2 Pass	North Pass 2	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 Dbl ?	A Q 10 4 3 A K Q 10 4 A 8 7
			Your call? Pass 2 NT 3  3  3 NT 4

Problem 2

Total points		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 1	East 5	South ?	K Q Q 8 7 5 A K 5 A J 10 7
			Your call? Dbl 5  5 NT 6  6  6 NT

Old scoring: nonvul doubled penalty = 100, 300, 500, 700…

Problem 3

Total points		Both vul		You, South, hold:
West 1	North Pass Pass	East 1 3	South 1 ?	J 9 7 2 — A Q J 9 8 7 2 K J
			Your call? Pass Dbl 3  4  4  4  5

Problem 4

Total points		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West 1 2	North Dbl 2 NT	East Pass Pass	South Pass 1 ?	Q 8 5 K 10 7 3 2 6 5 4 9 4
			Your call? Pass 3  3  3  3 NT 4

Problem 5

Total points		None vul		You, South, hold:
West Dbl	North Pass 3 1	East Pass Pass	South 1 ?	Q J 2 10 A Q J 9 A J 10 9 4
1. 8-10 dummy points, 5+ diamonds			Your call? Pass 3  3  3 NT 4  4  5

Problem 6

Total points		Both vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 1	East Pass	South ? ?	— K J 8 7 3 A J 10 9 6 4 4 2
			Your two calls?	A. Pass then 2 B. Pass then 2 C. Pass then 3 D. 1 then 2 E.  1 then 2 F.  1 then 2

 Click to see how you did

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© 2004 Richard Pavlicek