Challenge 8W49 Main Analyses

The Legend of King Arthur

by Richard Pavlicek

Once upon a time, a king named Arthur wished to conquer the world. He lacked the swords and lances for such a feat, so he gathered his knights of the bridge table. “Venture forth young men to nether regions,” commanded Arthur. “First to the land of the Goths! Then east to the Punjab! Triumph, and you shall be nobly rewarded with shares of my kingdom.” And so the quest began.

These six bidding problems are from a past tournament. Perhaps my clues will help you guess the year and location, but don’t worry about that. As South, simply select your call.

In September 2005 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1403 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. Object is to find the best call based on judgment so only basic conventions are allowed. For a system reference, see Standard American Bridge.

Aim your lances and prepare for battle!

The first joust should be easy, as you’re protected by a long suit of armor.

Problem 1

IMPs		None Vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass	`North` 1	`EAST` Pass Pass	`South` 1 ?	— A K Q J 10 9 6 5 4 K K 6 5

			Your call? 3 4 4 NT (regular BW) 5 6

Problem 2

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

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

			Your call? P 2 2 2 2 NT 3

Problem 3

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

`WEST` 1 Pass	North Pass 2	`East` Pass 2	South Dbl ?	A K 10 9 6 A K 9 Q 7 6 4 3

			Your call? P X 2 NT 3 3 3

Problem 4

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass Pass Pass	North 1 2 3	East Pass Pass Pass	SOUTH Pass 1 NT 2 ?	J 10 A 10 9 6 2 Q 10 8 5 3 2

			Your call? 3 3 3 NT 4 4 4 NT (regular BW) 5

Problem 5

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:

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

1. game force			Your call? 3 3 NT 4 4 4 4 NT 5

Problem 6

IMPs		E-W Vul			You, South, hold:

West 2	`NORTH` Pass Pass	East 1 3 ¹	`South` ? ?		K J 9 5 4 K J 10 8 5 2 A Q

1. not a game try		Your two calls?		A. Double, Pass B. Double, Double C. Double, 4 D. 2 , Pass E. 2 , Double F. 2 , 3

Click to see how you did

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