Sunday, September 23, 2001		Bridge

"WHEN you are playing a strong no-trump," asks a reader, "is it better to play a 15-17 point range or 16-18?"

On the brink of replying that it really does not matter a scrap as long as the partnership is on the same wave-length, I watched this hand played in a friendly teams’ match.

South dealt at game all and at one table (where the North-South methods included a 16-18 point No-trump and five-card majors) opened One Club. North scientifically responded One Spade, East passed (well pleased) and South raised to Two Spades.

Now North tried Three No-trumps and, on lead, East doubled. He would not have been averse to a retreat to Four Spades either. All passed and East whimsically led the Jack of Spades ("Fourth highest of my longest suit, partner!") and took the first five tricks.

At the other table, South was able to open One No-trump (15-17) and, without exploration, North raised to game. Again East doubled — conventionally a lead-directing double for, if the opponents have bid as they have, with no suit mentioned and apparently plent of values, it suggested a solid or near-solid suit and usually requests partner to lead his shortest. Unfortunately West, although eager to lead a Spade, was unable to oblige and nine tricks rolled in.

Does this mean that 15-17 is better than 16-18? Of course not — just try exchanging the East-West hands!