Swan Song Nets Huge Loss

Few people are aware that Elvis Presley’s last concert was a financial disaster. Why? I’ll tell you why. Tonight at the local club I witnessed an Elvis sighting. The King bid “Too Much” to reach 7 and was “All Shook Up” by the bad trump break — no “Good Luck Charm” at the “Heartbreak Hotel” this time! Thank you; thank you very much.

Sorry, my mind drifts a lot; don’t be cruel. These six bidding problems are from a past tournament. Perhaps my clues will help you identify the location and year, but don’t worry about that. As South, simply select your call.

In March 2005 these problems were presented as a poll, with 1447 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. 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.

Are you lonesome tonight? Then be my partner (for bidding, anyway). It’s now or never!

Problem 1

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:
West 2	North 1 3 1	East Pass Pass	South 2 ?	A 8 7 3 K J 10 9 6 3 K 5 2
1. nonforcing			Your call? Pass 3  3  4  4  5

Problem 2

IMPs		None vul		You, South, hold:
West 2	North 1 Pass	East Pass Pass	South 1 NT ?	5 8 6 A 9 4 3 2 A Q 9 8 2
			Your call? Pass X* 2 NT 3  3  3

*penalty

Problem 3

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass	North 1	East Dbl	South Pass ?	6 4 Q A J 8 7 5 Q J 8 5 4
			Your call? Pass Rdbl 1 NT 2  2  2 NT

Problem 4

IMPs		N-S vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass Pass Pass	North 1 2 3 1	East Pass Pass Pass	South 1 2 NT ?	K 10 8 6 2 A 9 5 3 2 Q J 10
1. forcing			Your call? Pass 3  3  3 NT 4  5

Problem 5

IMPs		Both vul		You, South, hold:
West 2 Pass	North 1 3 3	East 1 Pass Pass	South 1 3 ?	A Q J 10 8 4 3 A Q 5 K 9 5 —
			Your call? 3 NT 4  4  4  4  4 NT 6

Problem 6

IMPs		E-W vul		You, South, hold:
West Pass Pass	North 1 2 1 3	East Pass Pass Pass	South 2 2 ?	K 7 6 4 2 A Q — A K 10 8 6 5
1. does not show extra strength			Your call? 3  3 NT 4  4  4 NT 5  5 NT

 Click to see how you did

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Acknowledgments to Elvis Presley and Elvis Presley Enterprises
© 2005 Richard Pavlicek