2001: A Bridge Odyssey

As we head into a new millennium (officially now since the A.D. calendar began with the year 1, not zero) I will take you on a bridge odyssey — or at least offer you a bidding challenge. These six problems first appeared in the October 1980 Florida Bridge News as a bidding panel, of which I was the moderator. Challenge yourself by choosing your call as South from the choices offered.

In January 2001 these problems were presented as a poll, with 283 entrants from 81 locations. The poll is closed, but you can still try it as a quiz and find your score immediately. Analyses and results of the panel and poll are also available.

Assume both sides use Standard American bidding (unless noted otherwise) with strong notrumps (15-17), five-card majors and weak two-bids. The object is find the best calls based on judgment so only basic conventions are allowed. For a system reference, see my outline of Standard American Bridge or my more detailed Bidding Guide.

Problem 1

	A 9 6 Q J 10 A A 9 8 7 5 3

West 1

North 2

East Pass

South 1 ?

Your call:   2    2    2 NT   3    3 NT

Problem 2

	— A K 6 4 3 K 10 2 A Q J 7 2

West Pass Pass

North 1 2 NT

East Pass Pass

South 1 2 ?

Your call:   3    3    3    3 NT   4 

Problem 3

	K 8 A Q 10 9 — A K J 10 8 7 6

West 3

North Pass

East Pass

South 1 ?

Your call:   Double   3 NT   4    4    5 

Problem 4

	K J 7 5 4 6 4 3 A 6 3 5 4

West

North 3

East 4

South ?

Your call:   Pass   4    4 NT   5    5    6    6 

Problem 5

	K Q A J 9 8 4 A J 7 6 5 3 —

West 3 NT*

North Pass

East Pass

South ?

*gambling

Your call:   Pass   Double   4    4    4    4 NT   5 

Problem 6

	A J 7 6 K Q 10 8 6 9 7 8 2

West 1

North 1 2

East Pass 2

South 1 ?

Your call:   Pass   Double   2 NT   3    3 

To see your score, click this button: