Bridge

South opened 1S, in Acol style, and a simple auction carried him to 4S. Although 25 points were present, the game was a poor one on account of the matching 4-3-2-4 shape. How would you play the contract when West leads the five of hearts to East’s jack? The original declarer won the second round of hearts and drew trumps in three rounds. He then cashed the two top clubs and exited with a diamond. West won with the diamond queen and speedily dispatched the contract by cashing a heart and a club. Suppose West had held 3-5-3-2 shape, though, as declarer had hoped. He would then win the diamond, cash the king of hearts, and give a ruff-and-discard by leading a red card. This would do declarer no good at all! He could throw one club away, ruffing in the other hand, but he would still have a club loser. To make the game, you must win the very first heart. You then draw trumps, cash the two top clubs and exit with a diamond. With the hearts blocked — very luckily for you the defenders can do nothing. West can win the diamond exit, cash the club queen and exit with a heart to East’s queen. He will then have to give you a useful ruff-and-discard and you can dispose of your heart loser. South’s 2NT is the Unusual Notrump, showing length in both minor suits. 
What will you say now?

What will you say now?

Answer
Even though you would have bid only 2S without South’s intervention, you should say 3S now. This will give partner the chance to judge his hand when he has strength to spare. If instead you held 9-10 points, you would cue-bid 3D (one of South’s suits) to show a sound raise to 3S.

AWARDS: 3S — 10, Pass — 6.

David Bird — Knight Features

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