Challenge 7W33 Main Analyses

Catch a Falling Star

by Richard Pavlicek

Love may come and tap you on the shoulder, some starless night! But first, try this bidding challenge based on six problems from a past tournament. When and where? That’s for me to know and for you to find out, but the artist who sang the title song is a clue. Never mind about that. Just choose your call as South from the choices offered.

In May 2001 these problems were presented as a poll, with 519 entrants from 96 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 quiz is waiting! Never let it fade away — or if you prefer — save it for a rainy day.

Problem 1

IMPs		Both vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass Pass Pass	North 1 2 NT¹ 3	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 3 ?	Q J 7 5 A 8 5 K J 5 2 8 6

1. 19-20 HCP			Your call? 3 NT 4 4 4 4 NT 5

Problem 2

IMPs		E-W vul		You, South, hold:

West Pass Pass	`North` 1 2 3	East Pass Pass Pass	`South` 1 2 ?	A J 10 9 7 A 8 7 5 2 10 5 4

			Your call? 3 3 NT 4 4 4 NT 5

Problem 3

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:

`West` Pass	`North` Pass	`East` 3	`South` ?	A A K J 4 3 A K Q 10 9 7 3

			Your call? X 3 NT 4 4 4 NT 5 6

Problem 4

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:

`West`	North	`East` 2 ¹	South ?	A K J 10 8 5 J Q 10 6 4 3 2 —

1. weak			Your call? X 2 3 3 (Michaels) 3 4

Problem 5

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:

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

			Your call? 3 3 4 4 4 5

Problem 6

IMPs		E-W vul		You, South, hold:

West 4	`North` 1 Pass	East 3 Pass	`South` 3 NT ?	10 9 6 K 4 Q J 10 7 6 A K 7

			Your call? P X 4 NT 5 5

Click to see how you did

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