Bridge

West’s 2NT was the familiar Unusual Notrump, showing at least 5-5 in the minors. North’s 3D indicated a sound raise to at least 3H. Although South held 19 points it would be premature to suggest a slam at this stage. His trumps were poor and he had a relatively high loser-count. He contented himself with 3NT and bid a slam only when North suggested this with a cue-bid of 4C. How would you play the small slam when West leads the king of diamonds? You know from the bidding that West has length in both minors, so you should aim to squeeze him (to force him to throw away one of his minor-suit guards). Often it is beneficial to lose an early trick, in order to tighten the end position. Here it would be dangerous to duck the king of diamonds lead because East might be able to ruff a diamond continuation. You win the first diamond, then, and play five rounds of trumps, throwing a diamond, followed by two spades. To preserve his J-10-9-5 in clubs, West has to reduce to a singleton queen of diamonds. You can then lead the diamond jack, setting up dummy’s eight of diamonds as a twelfth trick. There was nothing at all wrong with West’s 2NT overall but you can see how much it helped South with the eventual play.

What rebid will you make?

With 11 points, you are entitled to make a further bid, despite the singleton in partner’s suit. A rebid of 3H would be a ‘responder’s reverse’ and game forcing. You are not worth such a move and should instead suggest a game by rebidding 2NT.

AWARDS: 2NT — 10, Pass — 6, 3H — 3, 3D — 2.

David Bird — Knight Features

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