| Not an expert player |
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Contract 3NTs, Lead ♥6 A very simple hand. The auction is not perfect as we teach you to open 1♠ on this hand. I still prefer 1♣ as I know we will not miss a 4 - 4 major suit fit. And after 35 years old habits die hard! Anyway we are in the correct contract of 3NTs. One of the first things you will have been taught is the 'Hold Up'. You do not have to win a trick just because you can. Sometimes we need to cut communication between the opposition. If West is short in the suit East leads, all I had to do is wait one or two rounds before winning my ace; that way, next time West wins the lead she will be unable to return partners suit, East can’t get in and cash all his lovely winners. But at the table East lead the ♥6, I played the 7 and West contributed the King. I was so delighted to see the King that I happily put down my ace and won the trick. 2 seconds later I realised that I now did not have a stop in hearts and could not make my contract without losing the lead at least once. Two off for -200. I'm quite pleased that Sue has pointed out that I'm missing the spade ace as well so East with the long hearts can always get in. I can cash the ♥Ace and 5 clubs and then I'm stuck. The principle is still correct - it is often right to hold up to the 2nd or even 3rd round when holding empty suits headed by the Ace in NTs
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| 1st week of the Stocken Cup |
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At our table the auction did not go like this but in an ideal world it might. West has a clear opening bid of 1♠ intending to rebid 2♥ if partner does not support spades. Tip: always think about your rebid before making your first bid. Norths club suit is not very strong but six cards headed by the Ace plus 11 points are good enough for me to have one go. East should not bid 2♥ directly as this would show a five card suit, but indicate four hearts to partner with a double. South should pass and West can show medium interest by bidding 3♥. East might pass, or as its teams and we try very hard to bid games at teams, might raise to 4♥. If South was on lead it would be easy, just lead partners suit and hope for a ruff. |
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| Misissippi Heart Hand |
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This famous hand was used by card sharps on the steam boats to relieve the rich of their cash. The unwary South was given a hand to admire, as you can see. South is the dealer and gets very excited. Determined not to lose out on big winnings with his 'no loser' hand opens 7H. The card sharp in the west seat doubles and happily takes his winnings. On a diamond lead South can only make six tricks and no game can be made.
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