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Hand played on |
10th May 2007 (Sim Pairs) |
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Board number 13 |
Red 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 ♠ 8753 ♥ T8 ♦ T432 ♣ KQ3 |
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West ♠ 642 ♥ K76 ♦ KJ6 ♣ AJ92 |
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East ♠ AQJ ♥ QJ94 ♦ AQ97 ♣ T5 |
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North |
Bidding:
East |
South |
West |
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South ♠ KT9 ♥ A532 ♦ 85 ♣ 8764 |
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No No
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1♣ 3NT
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No End |
2NT
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Three No Trumps is the par contract on this hand. At this table the East / West pair were playing a 'Strong Club' system, so the opening bid of 1♣ showed 16+ High card Points and East's response showed 11-13 HCPs and a balanced hand. Traditional ACOL-style bidders would reach the same contract - but probably it would be played by East after an auction (say) 1♥ 2♣; 2NT 3NT or 1♥ 2♣; 3NT if playing the 'forcing 2NT after a 2-over-one change of suit' style.
The play in 3NT presents few problems - but this was match-pointed pairs and the odd overtrick was of course of vital importance! North got off to a good start for the defence by leading the 'second from poor suit' spade. South won, and at this point rather carelessly simply returned a spade. With the ten of hearts dropping doubleton Declarer now makes 2 spades, three hearts, four diamonds and a club, for 10 tricks. If South finds a club switch at trick 2, Declarer faces a slightly sterner test. This club must be ducked, and it will be won by North. North cannot continue clubs, and so should continue with spades. South will soon be in with the Ace of hearts and has the opportunity to lead a second club, which now Declarer must take, and then cash out for the same ten tricks. However, one small slip by Declarer on those club leads from South, and the Defenders will collect four tricks.
At other tables in the Red Section, the contract was held tight three times, but 11 tricks were made once. At only one other table was the hand played by West. In the Blue Section, the contract made 9 tricks (7 times), 10 tricks (3 times), or 11 tricks (once). The 11-trick success was played by West, but otherwise by East.