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Hand played on |
1st February 2007 |
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Board number 13 |
Blue Section |
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Dealer |
North |
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Vulnerability |
Both |
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Submitted by |
Alaric Cundy |
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North ª QJ7 © KT3 ¨ KQ9 § J752 |
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West ª A43 © 9742 ¨ 74 § AT94 |
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East ª K95 © 65 ¨ AJT85 § KQ3 |
North |
Bidding:
East |
South |
West |
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South ª T862 © AQJ8 ¨ 632 § 86 |
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1NT |
2¨ |
End |
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The bidding was short and to the point. Debate rages as to the merits of various defensive bidding styles over the opponent's 1NT opening. Many players would not have been able to have bid a natural 2¨ on the East hand, but it worked out quite well here for EW. Declarer loses one spade, two hearts, and a trump, for a score of +110.
When 1NT was left to play, in practice the contract either made, or failed by one trick - either way, that score beat the -110 from the North / South perspective, and 110 scored 14 out of 20 match points for East / West. However, it looks as though the defenders should do better than that after an initial lead of the Jack of diamonds. Declarer can win in hand, and cash 4 heart tricks. East throws one spade and one diamond on the third and fourth hearts. After the fourth heart is cashed, South is likely to try the spade suit, which may lose to East's King. East should be able to count North's high card points, and hence place West with at least one of the black Aces. King, Queen, and a third club will put West on lead to push a diamond through and now the defenders should amass 2 spades, three diamonds and 3 clubs, for two off, for +200 to EW. It's probably easier being able to see all four hands!