Results for Set 2 (for instructions, click here).

Deal 1: West deals, both vulnerable

A Q 9 8 6 5 A 7 A K 8 6 2 --

J 2 6 4 Q 7 3 A J 10 9 7 3

 

 

 

 

Deal 1 Scores:

6: 10
6: 9
5: 5
5: 3
3NT: 1

Slam is good, but my no means "laydown." 6 has slightly more chances to make than 6. West could open 2, but 2-suiters are usually easier to bid by starting low. After 1, East will respond 1NT and West will jumpshift to 3. East will give a false preference to 3 and West could now repeat his diamonds. At this point, East might bid 5 (it is too late for clubs to be playable, so this would show a control). East should love his J, Q and A -- all valuable cards. After East's show of life, West is likely to insist on slam (he might use 5NT pick-a-slam).

Deal 2: West deals, neither side vulnerable

A 6 2 Q 8 K Q 5 K Q 10 9 7

K 7 K 10 7 A 10 6 3 2 A 6 4

 

 

 

 

 

Deal 2 Scores:

6NT: 10
6/6: 8
5NT: 5 (Note: this means that 4NT and 3NT get the same score)
5/5: 2

West opens 1NT and East might simply bid 3NT. Something must be wrong since slam is very good. Maybe East will show his diamonds and/or make some sort of slam move. After this, West has reasonable enough cards to cooperate. This one is not easy--but in bidding practice/contests, East is more likely to eschew a direct raise to 3NT.

Deal 3: South deals and opens 1, both vulnerable

K 3 7 2 A K 8 3 A 9 7 6 4

A Q 5 2 8 6 4 Q 7 5 Q J 10

 

 

 

 

Deal 3 Scores:

5: 10 
4: 7 (Note: this means that lower club contracts get the same score)
2NT: 5
3NT: 1

With South opening the bidding, 5 is a good contract since the club finesse rates to be onside. West could overcall 2 (I prefer a better suit for a 2-level overcall, but West has a good-enough hand to bid). East will bid 2, but it isn't clear that either player will get his side past 3. If anyone tries notrump without a heart stopper, it won't work out too well.

Deal 4: West deals, both vulnerable

A J 10 8 6 2 K 10 A 7 3 Q 4

K Q 8 K J 10 8 A K J 10 9 5

 

 

 

 

Deal 4 Scores:

6NT (by West): 10
6: 8
6: 5
5NT (by West): 4
6NT (by East): 4
5: 3
5: 2

West opens 1, East responds 2 and West rebids 2. If in a game force, East might raise to 3 next to try to simplify the auction (if he does, West can make a move with 4 and East can RKC into 6). If East bids 3 at his second turn, West could bid 3NT. Now, it is possible to reach 6NT, but still not easy.

 

Full book of practice bidding hands.