Challenge 8W73 Main Analyses

United State Wins Swiss

Scores  by Richard Pavlicek

Swiss team events began in the late ‘60s (at least in the United States), and I still remember my first, finishing average with four wins and four losses. But wait! I would avenge that mediocre start by winning my next, going 8-0 with my future wife and best man (Jim Beery) on the team. Ahh, the good old days! But I digress.

I invite you to try these six problems from a past tournament. Perhaps my clues will help you guess the venue, but don’t worry about that. As South, simply select your call.

In March 2006 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1580 entrants from 124 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.

Now it’s your turn to avenge the past. Try to make some good bids for a change.

Problem 1

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:
West	North	EAST 1	South ?	K Q 10 4 K Q J 8 5 3 2 9 8
			Your call? P  X  1   1   2 (Michaels)

Problem 2

IMPs		N-S Vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 2	East Pass	SOUTH 1 ?	A Q J 7 6 K 4 2 A K 8 5 2
			Your call? 2   2 (6+ or 5 w/100 honors)  2 NT  3   3 NT

Problem 3

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:
WEST Pass	North 2	East 2	South ?	Q 9 7 4 K Q 10 8 7 6 K 4 A
			Your call? P  X  2 NT (only force)  3   3   3 NT

Problem 4

IMPs		Both Vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	NORTH 1 3 NT	East 2 Pass	South 3 ?	Q A K Q J 10 3 A Q 9 5 J 9
			Your call? 4   4   4   4   4 NT  6   6 NT

Problem 5

IMPs		N-S Vul			You, South, hold:
WEST Pass Pass	North Pass 1	East Pass Pass	South ? ?		A Q A 10 8 3 2 A Q 10 4 K 9
		Your opening and rebid if 1 ?		A. 1 , 2 B. 1 , 2 NT C. 1 , 3 D. 1 , 3 NT E. 2 NT

Problem 6

IMPs		None Vul			You, South, hold:
West 6	NORTH 4 Pass	East 5 Pass	South ? ?		Q 7 6 2 8 Q 10 7 5 2 K 7 5
		Your call or calls?		A. Pass, Pass B. Pass, 6 C. 5 , Pass D. 5 , 6 E. 6 immediately

 Click to see how you did

Challenge 8W73 Main Analyses

Scores Top United State Wins Swiss

© 2006 Richard Pavlicek