Mr. Goren's Christmas Quiz

4 [Diamond]
PASS

West leads the queen of spades against South's five diamonds, East following low. You win and play a trump to dummy, East showing out. The king of heart lead is covered by East's ace. How should you continue?

WERE YOU BOLD ENOUGH TO DISCOVER THESE SAFE SOLUTIONS?

1

3 DIAMONDS-5 PTS.
4 CLUBS OR 4 HEARTS-3 PTS.
3 HEARTS-1 PT.

You have maximum values for your previous raise but do not yet know the purpose of partner's club bid. Three diamonds shows your ace, shows diamond stoppers if partner wants to try no trump and paves the way for a club raise later if it turns out that partner is slam-minded. A club raise now is premature, but superior to an inadequate return to three hearts.

2

4 SPADES-5 PTS.
PASS-2 PTS.

Partner has shown at least six spades-possibly seven-and only four hearts. He will be much better able to withstand diamond forces if he is in his longer suit.

3