Set 07Results

Author: Larry Cohen
Date of publish: 09/14/2015
Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Results for Set 7

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#1) West deals, N-S Vulnerable, North bids spades, and then if possible, South bids 2?

?A Q 9 3
?--
?K Q 10 7 6
?K Q 10 4
  ?5
?A Q J 9 7 2
?8 3 2
?J 5 2

 

 

 

 

Scores for Board 1:

2? Dbld (by N) : 10
2? (by N) : 9
2?/3?: 8
3?: 7
2NT: 5
3?:4
4?: 4
3NT: 3
5?/4?:2

After West's 1? and North's 1? overcall, East, depending on system could choose :

A) 2? as a negative free-bid (only a few pairs play 2? as non-forcing, less than 10 points)
B) 2?as "standard" -- 10-plus points and forcing one round (a slight overbid)
C) Pass -- conservative
D) Double -- Negative, and hoping to bid hearts next to show hearts and a weak hand
E) 3? as a weak-jump shift if available

Depending on East's action, what would it mean if West now doubled South's raise to 2?? It is rare for a low-level double to be for penalty. No doubt, this auction will test even the most experienced partnerships. The trick is to stay low--and it all may hinge on East's initial action.

#2) East deals, both vulnerable

?K 10 8 3
?4
?A K 4
?A K 5 3 2
  ?A
?A K 10 8 5
?J 10 9 6 5
?Q 8

 

 

 

 


Scores for Board 2:

6?:10
6NT: 9
6?:7
5NT: 6
5?:5
5?/4?: 2

After East opens 1?, West should respond 2?. With a weaker hand, and/or only 4-4 in the blacks, I could live with a 1? response. Here, with a chance to bid clubs first, then spades, it leads to a much easier auction. So, the start should be: 1?-2?-2?-2?-3?. At this point, I suspect most West players will use RKC and head to 6?. That slam is excellent, but at matchpoints, 6NT is also desirable. In notrump, a lot of things would have to go wrong to result in fewer than 12 tricks.

#3) West deals, nobody vulnerable

?Q 9 3
?Q 7
?A K
?A K J 7 6 4
  ?4
?K J 8 2
?Q J 10 9 8 4
?10 3

 

 

 



Scores for Board 3:

5?:10
4?:8
3?:7
4?:6
5?:4
3NT:3


This is a tough one. I expect most pairs to play in 3NT via:  2NT-3?-3?-3NT  OR  1?-1?-3NT (or similar).  In a bidding contest such as this, opening West's hand 2NT is usually not a good idea. A more scientific 1? will likely beget a 1? response (with a weak hand, bypass the diamonds to show the major). Now, West will likely rebid 2NT or 3NT, and East will have no reason to go looking for 5-of-a-minor. While 3NT is a poor contract, it gets 3 points because it has a small chance to make--and will also have lots of company. 

#4) West deals, nobody vulnerable

?K Q 10 9 2
?--
?A 9 5 4
?A 10 9 8
  ?J 7
?A 10 8 5 4 2
?8 2
?K Q 5

 

 

 



Scores for Board 4:

3NT: 10
4?: 8
2NT: 7
3?: 6
2?: 5
3?: 3

Finally, a hand where 3NT is the top spot in bidding practice. Will anyone get there? The fit is perfect--right down to the jack and ten of spades. In notrump, declarer has 9 easy tricks, maybe 10. Four spades is also quite good, needing only the clubs to come in. Unfortunately, presuming 2/1 GF, I expect the "field" auction to be 1?-1NT-2?-2?-Pass.   Even if East chooses to eschew the hearts and bid 2?, that will likely be the final contract. As to West's rebid after 1?-1NT, there is no "Normal" -- arguments can be made for either 2?  or 2?. In "Standard," the auction can begin 1?-2?, and might end up propelling East-West into one of the good game contracts.

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