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 "Packing for Mars" by Marti Ronemus

The world is beginning to see the very real possibility of going to Mars, especially those of us who saw "The Martian." (If not, may we suggest Netflix?)

But let's get practical. What are astronauts allowed to pack? Not much. Here's a partial list: Two sweaters and pairs of shoes. A change of undies and socks every two days of the mission, but T-shirts, workshirts and pants must be worn for ten days. (As someone who despises doing laundry, this isn't sounding so bad!)

And Faithful Readers, that's it for clothing. Forget make-up and stuff like that. One can only hope that shampoo and deodorant are allowed.

As bridge players, we have to be careful what we "pack" in terms of conventions. We can be dragging around WAY too much baggage! So let's fire our rockets and get to work.

Question 1

  Your Hand
 A J 8 3
 8
 K Q 10 8 7
 8 7 6
 
Q: 1 - South:
SouthWestNorthEast
-1Pass2
PassPass23
?


 Your choice:
A: 3: Normally when Pard balances after we both has previously passed, and the opponents go to the three level, we sit quietly and plan our setting strategy. This hand is different though. Let us count the ways. First, West has shown a minimum hand with his Pass. East limited his hand with his 2 bid. That marks Pard with around 10-11 pts, and a five-card Spade suit. With our singleton Heart, a nice side suit and the ninth Spade, we can and should go to the three-level.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 2

  Your Hand
 A J 8 3
 8 7 6
 Q J 5
 A 3 2
 
Q: 2 - South:
SouthWestNorthEast
-1Pass2
PassPass23
?


 Your choice:
A: Pass: We actually have more points than the last hand, but what we lack is that winning shape. Our flat hand is packing too many losers, with scattered honors. We have a nice defensive hand though.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 3

  Your Hand
 7
 A Q 10 8 3 2
 K Q
 J 4 3 2
 
Q: 3 - South:
SouthWestNorthEast
1p1p
?


 Your choice:
A: 2: Normally with a 6-4 hand, we bid our six-card suit then, our four-carder, with our next bid our six-carder. We're going to make a common-sense deviation. We really don't want to be anywhere but Hearts, and this is not a powerful enough rocket to make it all the way to Mars. Let's just show what we have.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 4

  Your Hand
 7
 A Q 8 7 3 2
 K 2
 A Q 8 3
 
Q: 4 - South:
SouthWestNorthEast
1p1p
?


 Your choice:
A: 2: Unlike our last hand, we are proud to show our Club suit, with plans to rebid the Hearts at our next chance.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Question 5

  Your Hand
 A 9 8 6 4
 3 2
 K 7 6
 5 4 3
 
Q: 5 -
SouthWestNorthEast
---1
p2pp
?


 Your choice:
A: 2: Sigh. Another decision on what to wear today in space. Pard is marked with some serious points. Our bid of 2 is not going to send him into orbit, as we passed on our first opportunity to overcall. Sometimes ya just gotta take your chances.

Well, we're all packed, so let's head for the stars.

Your result so far:
Open Question

Play this Hand

Now that you've bid five hands, let's see how your play goes.

Overall Results

Your results:   out of    Average: 

What next? You may enjoy playing our prepared hands series.
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