Bridge

Mon., Jan. 7, 2008

Bobby Wolff United Feature Syndicate

Dear Mr. Wolff: I understand that the world championships were in Shanghai last fall and are in Beijing this year. Why would both events be in China? – Orientation Committee, Shreveport, La.

Answer: This year’s championships will be aligned with the International Mind Sports Association. I’m happy that all the intellectual activities will be working in tandem, but it will take some time to see if the whole will represent more than the sum of its parts.

Dear Mr. Wolff: I held ♠ A-J-9-8-3, ♥ 10-9, ♦ Q-8-5-3, ♣ J-4, and my partner opened a strong no-trump. How should I have advanced the hand? – Forward Motion, Milwaukee, Wis.

Answer: I think you could sensibly go in one of two directions. If playing Stayman but not transfers, bid two clubs and follow up with two no-trump unless you find a fit. If you are playing transfers, bid hearts to transfer to spades, then invite game with a call of two no-trump. It would be cowardly not to make a try for game.

Dear Mr. Wolff: I dealt myself ♠ J-7-5-4-2, ♥ Q-7-4-3-2, ♦ A-Q-3, ♣ - and passed. When my partner opened one club, I responded one spade and my partner rebid one no-trump. Would it be right for me to bid two hearts now, or three hearts? – Drum Major, Hamilton, Ontario

Answer: It is probably sufficient to bid two hearts here. Until or unless you find a nine-card fit, your hand is not nearly as promising as it might appear. If your partner raises hearts, you will bid on, of course, but it will probably not happen.

Dear Mr. Wolff: Do you play penalty doubles of your opponents’ strong no-trump? If not, what defense would you recommend? – Sledgehammer, Jackson, Miss.

Answer: Yes, I think it makes sense to keep the doubles as penalty. But if you are looking for an artificial method, there are many options available. One that is gaining popularity is called Woolsey, which subverts the double to show a two-suiter. Two clubs announces both majors; two diamonds, one major.

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