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Answer The hand is perfect for 2NT- the Unusual Notrump convention. Do you play it? Such a bid shows length in the minor suits and does not promise a strong hand, in terms of points. To guard against a big penalty, you need two reasonable suits. If you don’t play the convention, it is a close decision whether to overcall 2C, or bid 2D with the intention of mentioning the clubs later. Awards: 2NT (Unusual Notrump)-10, 2C-6, 2D-5. — Knight Features |
It’s time, once again, for a Golden Oldie. This deal comes from the 1930 match between USA (captained by Culbertson) and Great Britain (captained by Colonel Buller). At that time the Americans played their opening two-bids so strong that they very rarely opened with a two-bid. Here Waldemar Von Zedwitz opened just 1H. If West had passed, this would surely have been passed out. Cedric Kehoe overcalled IS (a bid described as ‘wretched’ by Colonel Buller, in his book on the match) and the American South then rebid 4H. How would you have played this contract on a lead of the trump jack? Von Zedwitz drew two rounds of trumps with the ace and king. Then played the ace and king of diamonds. The queen refused to drop, so he played a third round of diamonds the jack.
West won with the queen and switched to a club, won by his partner’s ace. Realising that two club tricks would not defeat the game (even if West held the club king), East correctly switched to spades. South had the spade and now scored an overtrick. At the other table Mrs Gordon-Evers (South) opened with a strong 3H. Colonel Buller passed and game was missed, the Americans gaining 670 points.
What would you say now?
