Bridge

South’s rebid suggested around 25-27 points, so North’s raise to 6NT was a considerable overbid. He should have bid only 4NT, a non-forcing limit bid that suggests South should advance to 6NT if he holds a maximum for his sequence so far. As it happens South did have a maximum hand, so no damage was done. How would you have played the no-trump slam when West leads the queen of spades? Declarer won with the ace of spades and cashed his three top hearts, West showing out on the third round. When he continued with the king and jack of diamonds, he was surprised to see West show out again. Declarer had originally been planning to take a club finesse for the contract but now he saw that there was an extra chance, that of end-playing West. Instead of leading a club from dummy he led the five of spades. East showed out and declarer played the two from his hand. West had to win the trick and had to good return. Since he knew that a spade would definitely give up a trick, he chose to return a club. If South had started with a 25-count and only A-x in the club suit, all would have been well for the defenders. No, South had the ace and queen in the suit and was able to claim twelve tricks. Well bid, partner!

What response will you make?

Answer
A fashion has developed for the responder to an Acol 2C opening to save space by nearly always bidding 2D. There is some sense in this but it can then be difficult to catch up when you have reasonable values to show. In the British Gold Cup final a player responded 2D on these cards, rebidding 3C over 2S. The auction stopped in 6C with an easy thirteen tricks available. Respond 3C instead and your partner (with a solid spade suit, two red aces and the club king) can easily visualise a grand slam.

Awards: 3C - 10, 2D - 4, 4NT - 3.

David Bird — Knight Features

HOME