Bridge

South opened a 15-17 point 1NT and his partner responded with a 2D transfer bid, showing at least five hearts. South duly rebid 2H (he was not strong enough to ‘break the transfer’) and North offered a choce of games by bidding 3NT. With four-card heart support, South preferred to play in that suit. Just in case North held close to slam values, South continued with a cue-bid of 4C, rather than 4H. This meant: “I have good heart support, the ace or king of clubs, and a hand suitable for slam play.

“North was not interested in a slam on this occasion and the bidding stopped in 4H. How would you play this contract when West launches the defence with the ace, king and jack of diamonds? Declarer ruffed the third diamond in dummy and drew trumps in three rounds.

He then played the ace and king of spades, eliminating that suit from the proceedings. With spades and diamonds out of the way, declarer could now overcome a bad club break. He cashed the ace of clubs and exited with a low club. West won the trick and had to surrender a trick with his return. A club would be into declarer’s K-J tenace. A diamond or a spade would give a ruff-and-discard. Either way there would be no further club loser.

Answer

With only 13 points, you are not strong enough to enough to rebid 3C. This would be a ‘high reverse’ and would be forcing to game. You should rebid 2S, showing that you have a minimum opener. Note that on this strength of hand it usually works better to open 1S rather than 1C.

AWARDS: 2S - 10 3C - 4, 2NT - 3.

David Bird — Knight Features

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