Bridge

How would you respond on those South cards when your partner opens a 12-14 1NT? There are two reasons why a transfer response of 2H is not best. Firstly, with three side-suit tenaces to protect in your own hand, there is no reason for North to be the declarer. Secondly, it is not easy to make a slam try after a start of 1NT – 2H – 2S. South therefore issued an immediate slam try with 3S. His partner’s 4D agreed spades as trumps and showed the ace or king of diamonds. How would you play 6S when West leads a trump? Declarer won with the dummy’s jack and drew a second round of trumps with the ten, East showing out. He then led a club towards the king. East had to play low or he would establish two club tricks for declarer. South won with the king and drew the outstanding trumps, throwing two diamonds from dummy. He then played the king and ace of hearts and led the jack of hearts, throwing his last club. West won with the heart queen but dummy’s ten of hearts was good for a diamond discard. If West hand turned up with the club ace, declarer would have had to take a finesse, or ruffing finesse (better), in hearts.

South’s 2NT is the Unusual Notrump, showing 5-5 shape in the minor suits.

What will you say now? 

Answer
You should double, to tell your partner that you are interested in extracting a penalty from the opponents. If North chooses a minor, bidding 3C or 3D, your partner should have no hesitation in doubling when his hand is suitable for defence. You have already suggested that you have shortage in his suit and fair values in the minor suits, so East will not need long trumps to double.

Awards: Dble – 10, Pass – 6, 3H/3NT– 2.

David Bird — Knight Features

HOME