? Explanation of report features  
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Field strength:  Mean: 1024 MP  Geomean: 530 MP
(based on 28 players)
★ ★ ★  Masterpoint Winners  ★ ★ ★
Partnership Pct Rank MP
Carol Mullins - Lynn Berg 58.98 1st OA 1.98
Ann Magaha - Cozy May 58.29 1st OB 1.57
Dolly Harper - Lorelle Lindeman 55.85 2nd OB 1.18
Gwendolyn Carson - Susan Kongsvik 54.94 4th OA 0.84
Ed Hall - Tom Rusk 54.63 1st OC 1.22
Burt Rosenberg - George Flack Jr 54.57 4th OB 0.66
Jeannie Braswell - Maxine Doughton 50.94 2nd OC 0.92
Dan Croom - Goran Akerstrom 48.32 3rd OC 0.69
Barbara Dunn - Fred Atherton 47.17 2nd SC 0.43 
EVENT>Open Pairs               |SESSION>Thursday Aft |SECTION> A N-S
------------------------,------ ------------,-------- --------,-----------------
DATE>April 25, 2013     |CLUB NO.>132217    | 04/25/2013 16:27
---------------------,-- ------------------- -------------,--- -----------------
DIR> Virginia Winters|RATING>Charity Club Championship    |MOVEMENT>MITCHELL
------------,-------- ,-------------------------,--------- ---------------------
AVE>   84.0 |TOP>   6 |MP LIMITS>None/2000/1000 |TOURN>DeLand Bridge Club
------------ --------- ------------------------- -------------------------------
PAIRS IN STRAT A=7/B=5/C=4                       ,---,-----------------,-------------------------,------,---------,
-------------------------------------------------|   |      Overall    |           Section       |      |Final    |
No Name                   Name                   |Flt|Rnk-A|Rnk-B|Rnk-C|Rnk-A|Rnk-B|Rnk-C| Score | Pct  |Awards   |
------------------------------------------------- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------ ---------
 1 Fred Atherton          Barbara Dunn             C   .     .     .   |   .     .     2     79.25  47.17  0.43(SC)
 2 Dolly Harper           Lorelle Lindeman         B   3     2     .   |   2     1     .     93.83  55.85  1.18(OB)
 3 Jean Farrell           William Schnalke         C   .     .     .   |   .     .     .     73.42  43.70
 4 Tom Rusk               Ed Hall                  C   5     3     1   |   3     2     1     91.78  54.63  1.22(OC)
 5 Nancy Bitner           Joan Murray              C   .     .     .   |   .     .     .     61.33  36.51
 6 Lynn Berg              Carol Mullins            A   1     .     .   |   1     .     .     99.08  58.98  1.98(OA)
 7 Patricia Gregory       Jerry Meronek            A   .     .     .   |   .     .     .     89.58  53.32
                                          Totals                                            588.27

EVENT>Open Pairs               |SESSION>Thursday Aft |SECTION> A E-W
------------------------,------ ------------,-------- --------,-----------------
AVE>   84.0 |TOP>   6 |MP LIMITS>None/2000/1000 |TOURN>DeLand Bridge Club
------------ --------- ------------------------- -------------------------------
PAIRS IN STRAT A=7/B=6/C=4                       ,---,-----------------,-------------------------,------,---------,
-------------------------------------------------|   |      Overall    |           Section       |      |Final    |
No Name                   Name                   |Flt|Rnk-A|Rnk-B|Rnk-C|Rnk-A|Rnk-B|Rnk-C| Score | Pct  |Awards   |
------------------------------------------------- --- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------ ---------
 1 Maxine Doughton        Jeannie Braswell         C   .     .     2   |   .     .     1     85.58  50.94  0.92(OC)
 2 Cozy May               Ann Magaha               B   2     1     .   |   1     1     .     97.92  58.29  1.57(OB)
 3 Susan Kongsvik         Gwendolyn Carson         A   4     .     .   |   2     .     .     92.30  54.94  0.84(OA)
 4 Karen Nuthmann         Marian Watson            C   .     .     .   |   .     .     .     75.25  44.79
 5 Dan Croom              Goran Akerstrom          C   .     .     3   |   .     .     2     81.17  48.32  0.69(OC)
 6 George Flack Jr        Burt Rosenberg           B   .     4     .   |   3     2     .     91.67  54.57  0.66(OB)
 7 Jackie Richards        Joan Ravede              C   .     .     .   |   .     .     .     64.42  38.35
                                          Totals                                            588.31
1 ♠965
♥732
♦QT63
♣853
 Dlr: North
Vul: None
♠T4
♥A8
♦AKJ87
♣A962
 ♠AKJ8
♥KJT
♦95
♣KQT7
♠Q732
♥Q9654
♦42
♣J4
2
1617
5
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣0 ♦2 ♥2 ♠1 NT1
EW: 7♣ 5♦ 5♥ 6♠ 6NT
LoTT: 15 - 16 = -1
Par: -1440 7♣-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  100          6.00   0.00  7N E -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
   50          3.00   3.00  6N W -1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
   50          3.00   3.00  6N E -1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
   50          3.00   3.00  6N E -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A7-Richards-Ravede
   50          3.00   3.00  6N E -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A2-May-Magaha
   50          3.00   3.00  6N E -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        990    0.00   6.00  6N E      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom

Stephen Cooper Hand Analysis

What are West's options in responding to 1NT?

On a strict point-count basis, West adds her 16 to Opener's 15-17 range, and computes a total of 31-33. Thus, one approach would be to simply invite slam via an invitational 4NT call. (No, this is not Blackwood; a direct raise of a natural notrump call to 4NT is always a natural, invitational call.)
East has an easy acceptance with a solid maximum. She also has the option of suggesting suit play, by simply making a natural bid at the 5 level. Here, she might try 5♣. Although there may be technical merit to this, at matchpoints one rarely tries to escape from notrump into a minor when notrump seems at all palatable.

West might also choose one of two other initial courses: A simple "blast" to 6NT, giving some value to the strong 5-card suit, likely a nice source of tricks at notrump.

Finally, more scientifically, West might artificially use a systemic bid that shows both minors (if available).

Anyway, 7♣ is a lucky make and 6NT is decent.

On a neutral lead of a diamond or club, it will probably go down,as East's best shot is to try a diamond finesse. When this loses and the spade return is taken with the ace, declarer just needs the ten of diamond to fall in one or two rounds. It does not, and 12 tricks are impossible.

However, if South leads a heart, the offense has 2S, 3H, 2D, and 4C (assuming no club loser). So after checking on the club split, he can take a spade finesse to 100% guarantee 12 tricks, so that is the indicated play.

Finally, on a spade lead, the hand can be made as well. With careful play, Declarer can get a good count. After testing the clubs, trying the diamond finesse, and later to drop that ten or the queen of spades, it comes down to guessing the heart finesse in the right direction. Declarer will know the heart split before he has to make the guess. The odds will be 5-3 the Queen is with the 5, not the 3.


****************************************
Comments? Questions? CLICK HERE for a personal response or email me at stephen.e.cooper@gmail.com

2 ♠Q876
♥JT4
♦AQ75
♣Q4
 Dlr: East
Vul: N-S
♠A
♥K9853
♦92
♣AT765
 ♠KJ954
♥Q
♦KT63
♣J82
♠T32
♥A762
♦J84
♣K93
11
1110
8
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣3 ♦5 ♥5 ♠5 NT5
EW: 3♣ 1♦ 2♥ 1♠ 1NT
LoTT: 14 - 15 = -1
Par: -110 2♥-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  100          6.00   0.00  3N E -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
   50          4.50   1.50  3N E -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A7-Richards-Ravede
   50          4.50   1.50  3N E -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        110    2.50   3.50  2♥ W      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        110    2.50   3.50  2♦ E +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        120    1.00   5.00  2N W      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        400    0.00   6.00  3N E      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A2-May-Magaha

Stephen Cooper Hand Analysis
WestNorthEastSouth
  PassPass
1♥Pass1♠Pass
2♣Pass2NPass
3♣All pass

Sound bidding to a decent spot. I expect to see people fetching up in hearts, spades or notrump as well. This should be a classic matchpoint battle in the pits, as each trick will be meaningful.

Nine tricks will be normal in clubs. As always, the interesting matchpoint contracts are notrump partials. If we reach 2NT, can it be made? The defense can set up 2H, 2D and 2C, but they need to start with diamonds. On a "neutral" lead such as a spade, declarer can lead a diamond towards the Jack, and then guess well to take 4C 1D 2S 1H.


****************************************
Comments? Questions? CLICK HERE for a personal response or email me at stephen.e.cooper@gmail.com

3 ♠J5
♥AKQ96
♦Q752
♣T7
 Dlr: South
Vul: E-W
♠732
♥752
♦T9
♣J8542
 ♠KQT8
♥JT
♦J863
♣A96
♠A964
♥843
♦AK4
♣KQ3
12
111
16
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♣ 4♦ 5♥ 3♠ 4NT
EW:  ♣5 ♦2 ♥1 ♠4 NT1
LoTT: 16 - 16 = 0
Par: +450 5♥-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  490          5.50   0.50  3N S +3   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  490          5.50   0.50  3N S +3   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  460          4.00   2.00  3N S +2   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  450          2.50   3.50  4♥ S +1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A2-May-Magaha
  450          2.50   3.50  4♥ S +1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  430          1.00   5.00  3N S +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  420          0.00   6.00  4♥ S      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
4 ♠KJ982
♥Q9743
♦-
♣763
 Dlr: West
Vul: Both
♠A65
♥J
♦K72
♣KQJ842
 ♠QT74
♥AT65
♦J943
♣5
♠3
♥K82
♦AQT865
♣AT9
6
147
13
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♥  ♣4 ♦6 ♠5 NT4/5
EW: 1♣ 1♦ 1♠ 2NT  ♥4
LoTT: 15 - 15 = 0
Par: -120 2NT-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  300          5.50   0.50  4♣ W -3   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  300          5.50   0.50  3♣ E -3   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  100          4.00   2.00  3♣ W -1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        100    3.00   3.00  3♥ S -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        200    2.00   4.00  3♦ S -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A2-May-Magaha
        300    1.00   5.00  3♦ S -3   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        400    0.00   6.00  4♥ S -4   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
5 ♠T4
♥2
♦KQ543
♣KT872
 Dlr: North
Vul: N-S
♠AQ5
♥Q7654
♦62
♣A65
 ♠K9863
♥KT8
♦-
♣QJ943
♠J72
♥AJ93
♦AJT987
♣-
8
129
11
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 5♦ 1NT  ♣4 ♥3 ♠3
EW: 3♣ 3♥ 2/1♠  ♦2 NT6
LoTT: 20 - 19 = +1
Par: +300 5♥*-EW/5♣*-EW-2		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  600          5.50   0.50  5♦ S      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  600          5.50   0.50  5♦ S      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  500          4.00   2.00  5♥* W -3  A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A2-May-Magaha
  130          3.00   3.00  4♦ S      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
   50          2.00   4.00  4♠ E -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        100    1.00   5.00  5♦ S -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        420    0.00   6.00  4♠ E      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
6 ♠QT52
♥5
♦A76
♣KQJ62
 Dlr: East
Vul: E-W
♠KJ4
♥932
♦K9432
♣T3
 ♠987
♥AK64
♦QJ8
♣A87
♠A63
♥QJT87
♦T5
♣954
12
714
7
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♣ 1♥ 1♠  ♦5 NT5
EW: 2♦  ♣4 ♥6 ♠5 NT6
LoTT: 16 - 16 = 0
Par: -90 2♦-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  200          5.00   1.00  1N W -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  200          5.00   1.00  1N W -2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  200          5.00   1.00  1N W -2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
         50    3.00   3.00  2N N -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
         90    1.50   4.50  1N W      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A7-Richards-Ravede
         90    1.50   4.50  1N E      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A2-May-Magaha
        100    0.00   6.00  3♠ S -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
7 ♠K93
♥AKJ95
♦K95
♣A4
 Dlr: South
Vul: Both
♠T654
♥Q
♦AJ643
♣T32
 ♠A72
♥T63
♦QT72
♣Q75
♠QJ8
♥8742
♦8
♣KJ986
18
78
7
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 5♣ 1♦ 5♥ 3♠ 5NT
EW:  ♣1 ♦6 ♥1 ♠4 NT2
LoTT: 17 - 18 = -1
Par: +660 5NT-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  680          6.00   0.00  4♥ N +2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A2-May-Magaha
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  650          2.50   3.50  4♥ N +1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
8 ♠QT3
♥J96542
♦64
♣T5
 Dlr: West
Vul: None
♠K4
♥A83
♦KT53
♣AJ98
 ♠AJ962
♥-
♦AQJ982
♣64
♠875
♥KQT7
♦7
♣KQ732
3
1512
10
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♥  ♣3 ♦0 ♠0 NT0
EW: 4♣ 7♦ 7♠ 7NT  ♥6
LoTT: 20 - 20 = 0
Par: -1520 7NT-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
        430    5.50   0.50  3N W +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        430    5.50   0.50  3N W +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        440    4.00   2.00  5♦ W +2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        490    3.00   3.00  3N W +3   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        510    2.00   4.00  4♠ W +3   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        520    1.00   5.00  3N W +4   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A2-May-Magaha
        940    0.00   6.00  6♦ E +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg

Stephen Cooper Hand Analysis

7♦ is a good contract, making as long as there are no horrible breaks. The Ace of hearts takes care of the club loser, and two ruffs set up the spades ( although only one ruff is needed with the 3-3 split).

West opens 1NT. Most systems do not address 6/5 hands like East has. One approach would be to treat it like a 5-5, and start with a transfer to 2♠. Then 3♦ shows at least 5+♠ and 4+♦, with at least gamer-going values. Although East is minimum point count, he really could not have a much more suitable hand. He has Aces in both the unbid suits, and fitting Kings in partner's long suits. Moreover, he has 4-card support for diamonds, including 2 honor cards. His straightforward bid is to simply raise to 4♦. East starts to like slam prospects, but can't bid Blackwood with a void. He needs to know the location of partner's cards, not just the bulk total of Key-cards. (Admittedly, he survives on this hand, because opener has both Aces, but what if shows 2 key cards in response to 4NT? You might be off the Ace and King of Clubs, or you might be cold for seven!)

The proper continuation is 4♥, cue-bidding the first-round control in that suit, and showing slam interest. Co-operative cue-bidding from that point can identify all of the key features needed for seven diamonds, but you should not feel to badly if you only get to 6♦.

If you reach 6♠ or 6NT ( or seven in spades or notrump!), you should be very pleased with your top score, but you should re-evaluate your bidding, as those contracts are not sound, even at matchpoints.


****************************************
Comments? Questions? CLICK HERE for a personal response or email me at stephen.e.cooper@gmail.com

9 ♠K984
♥JT63
♦T86
♣87
 Dlr: North
Vul: E-W
♠Q53
♥A9875
♦AJ7
♣K2
 ♠AJ6
♥Q
♦KQ5
♣QJT953
♠T72
♥K42
♦9432
♣A64
4
1415
7
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣1 ♦3 ♥4 ♠4 NT2
EW: 6♣ 3/4♦ 3♥ 3♠ 4NT
LoTT: 16 - 15 = +1
Par: -1370 6♣-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
        630    6.00   0.00  3N W +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        660    4.00   2.00  3N E +2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        660    4.00   2.00  3N E +2   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        660    4.00   2.00  3N E +2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A2-May-Magaha
        690    1.00   5.00  3N W +3   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        690    1.00   5.00  3N W +3   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        690    1.00   5.00  3N E +3   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson

Stephen Cooper Hand Analysis

This illustrates the classic matchpoint dilemma - Should we play in 5 of a minor or shoot at slam if we have left a good 3NT spot in our rear-view mirror?

Consider the scoring: 3NT will make at least 4, for a score of 630 or more. If your auction gets you past 3NT, there is little point in staying in 5♣. If it makes just 5, you score 600, and if it makes six, you get just 620. You are bound to get a bad score regardless. However, if you bid six clubs you will get a top score if the spade finesse wins, and (about) the same bottom score for going down as you would for making five.

A routine sequence would go 1♣-1♥; 2♣-3NT. Deviations might push you to the 50/50 slam.

Note a spade lead against 3NT would allow 12 tricks.


****************************************
Comments? Questions? CLICK HERE for a personal response or email me at stephen.e.cooper@gmail.com

10 ♠K43
♥JT54
♦J98
♣J62
 Dlr: East
Vul: Both
♠JT9852
♥KQ92
♦K4
♣T
 ♠AQ6
♥A873
♦A2
♣AK73
♠7
♥6
♦QT7653
♣Q9854
6
921
4
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣3 ♦6 ♥1 ♠0 NT0
EW: 3♣ 1♦ 6♥ 7♠ 7NT
LoTT: 19 - 18 = +1
Par: -2220 7NT-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  100          6.00   0.00  6♥ E -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A2-May-Magaha
        650    5.00   1.00  4♥ E +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        710    4.00   2.00  4♠ E +3   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
       1430    2.00   4.00  6♠ E      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A7-Richards-Ravede
       1430    2.00   4.00  6♥ E      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
       1430    2.00   4.00  6♥ E      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
       1460    0.00   6.00  6♠ E +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
11 ♠QT
♥AJ42
♦AQ2
♣KJ32
 Dlr: South
Vul: None
♠532
♥5
♦87653
♣T984
 ♠AJ964
♥K986
♦J
♣A76
♠K87
♥QT73
♦KT94
♣Q5
17
013
10
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2/3♣ 2/3♦ 4♥ -/1♠ 2/4NT
       ♠6/7
EW:  ♣4 ♦4 ♥3 ♠5 NT3
LoTT: 15 - 16 = -1
Par: +430 4NT-S		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  450          6.00   0.00  4♥ N +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  430          5.00   1.00  3N N +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  420          4.00   2.00  4♥ N      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  400          2.00   4.00  3N N      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  400          2.00   4.00  3N N      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  400          2.00   4.00  3N N      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A2-May-Magaha
  100          0.00   6.00  2♠ W -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
12 ♠AK752
♥K7
♦Q54
♣T32
 Dlr: West
Vul: N-S
♠94
♥AT642
♦863
♣KQ9
 ♠QJT3
♥Q5
♦AK97
♣J87
♠86
♥J983
♦JT2
♣A654
12
913
6
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣6 ♦5 ♥5 ♠6 NT5
EW: 1♣ 1♦ 2♥ 1♠ 1NT
LoTT: 14 - 14 = 0
Par: -110 2♥-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
        100    6.00   0.00  1♠ N -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        110    5.00   1.00  2♥ W      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        140    3.50   2.50  2♥ W +1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        140    3.50   2.50  2♥ W +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        200    1.50   4.50  2♠ N -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        200    1.50   4.50  2♠ N -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        300    0.00   6.00  2♠ N -3   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A2-May-Magaha
13 ♠AQJT62
♥A3
♦Q54
♣63
 Dlr: North
Vul: Both
♠K5
♥J942
♦K762
♣AK9
 ♠98743
♥K75
♦T
♣J542
♠-
♥QT86
♦AJ983
♣QT87
13
144
9
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 3/2♦ 1/-♥ 1♠ 2/1NT
       ♣6 ♥7/6
EW: 1♣  ♦4 ♥6 ♠5/4 NT5
LoTT: 16 - 15 = +1
Par: +120 2NT-N		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  120          6.00   0.00  2N S      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  110          5.00   1.00  2♠ N      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        100    4.00   2.00  2♠ N -1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        200    2.00   4.00  2♠ S -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        200    2.00   4.00  2♠ N -2   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        200    2.00   4.00  2♠ N -2   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        300    0.00   6.00  2♠ N -3   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A2-May-Magaha
14 ♠Q543
♥KT74
♦9
♣A962
 Dlr: East
Vul: None
♠AKJ7
♥AQ6
♦KJ752
♣5
 ♠T96
♥953
♦AT63
♣QT8
♠82
♥J82
♦Q84
♣KJ743
9
186
7
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 3♣ 1♥  ♦3 ♠4 NT5
EW: 3/4♦ 2♠ 2NT  ♣4 ♥5/6
LoTT: 19 - 18 = +1
Par: -130 4♦-E		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  200          5.50   0.50  3N E -4   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A2-May-Magaha
  200          5.50   0.50  3N E -4   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  100          3.50   2.50  3N W -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  100          3.50   2.50  5♦ W -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A7-Richards-Ravede
   50          2.00   4.00  5♦ W -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        110    0.50   5.50  1♦ W +2   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        110    0.50   5.50  1♦ W +2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
15 ♠Q85
♥KJ
♦AQ9743
♣A2
 Dlr: South
Vul: N-S
♠9743
♥T3
♦KJT6
♣Q96
 ♠AKJ62
♥982
♦5
♣JT53
♠T
♥AQ7654
♦82
♣K874
16
69
9
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♣ 5♦ 5♥ 2/4NT  ♠5/6
EW:  ♣5 ♦2 ♥1 ♠6 NT3
LoTT: 17 - 17 = 0
Par: +650 5♥-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  680          6.00   0.00  4♥ S +2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  630          4.50   1.50  3N N +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  630          4.50   1.50  3N N +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  620          2.50   3.50  4♥ S      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  620          2.50   3.50  4♥ S      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  170          1.00   5.00  3♥ S +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A2-May-Magaha
  150          0.00   6.00  3♠ E -3   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
16 ♠KJ82
♥T62
♦Q9
♣Q763
 Dlr: West
Vul: E-W
♠AQ9
♥J9853
♦AT
♣J94
 ♠T543
♥A7
♦J876
♣K82
♠76
♥KQ4
♦K5432
♣AT5
8
128
12
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♣ 1♦ 1♥ 1NT  ♠6
EW: -/1♠
       ♣5/6 ♦5/6 ♥6 ♠6/7 NT5/6
LoTT: 14 - 14 = 0
Par: +90 1NT-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  400          6.00   0.00  3♠ W -4   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  300          5.00   1.00  2♠ E -3   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  200          4.00   2.00  1N W -2   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  100          3.00   3.00  2♠ E -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
   90          2.00   4.00  2♦ S      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
    PASS       1.00   5.00  Pass Out  A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        120    0.00   6.00  1N W +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A2-May-Magaha
17 ♠64
♥K64
♦KQ965
♣K95
 Dlr: North
Vul: None
♠Q2
♥AT972
♦3
♣QJ643
 ♠KJ85
♥8
♦JT872
♣A82
♠AT973
♥QJ53
♦A4
♣T7
11
99
11
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♦ 1♠ 1NT  ♣5 ♥6
EW: 2♣ 1♥  ♦6 ♠6 NT6
LoTT: 15 - 15 = 0
Par: -90 2♣-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  120          5.00   1.00  2N N      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  120          5.00   1.00  2N N      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  120          5.00   1.00  2N N      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A7-Richards-Ravede
         50    2.00   4.00  2N N -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
         50    2.00   4.00  1N N -1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
         50    2.00   4.00  3♦ N -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        110    0.00   6.00  3♣ W      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A2-May-Magaha
18 ♠9873
♥T82
♦AT642
♣9
 Dlr: East
Vul: N-S
♠A2
♥954
♦J85
♣Q7653
 ♠J64
♥AQJ63
♦K7
♣J82
♠KQT5
♥K7
♦Q93
♣AKT4
4
712
17
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 3♦ 4♠ 1NT  ♣6 ♥6
EW: 1♣ 1♥  ♦3 ♠3 NT6
LoTT: 17 - 16 = +1
Par: +620 4♠-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  620          6.00   0.00  4♠ N      A4-Rusk-Hall vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  170          5.00   1.00  3♠ N +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  140          3.50   2.50  3♠ N      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  140          3.50   2.50  3♠ N      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A2-May-Magaha
   50          2.00   4.00  3♥ E -1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        110    0.50   5.50  2♥ E      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        110    0.50   5.50  2♥ E      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
19 ♠-
♥AT9875
♦A62
♣QJ53
 Dlr: South
Vul: E-W
♠JT4
♥KQJ
♦QJ743
♣82
 ♠AKQ852
♥6
♦95
♣KT97
♠9763
♥432
♦KT8
♣A64
11
1012
7
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♣ 1♦ 3♥  ♠5 NT5
EW: 2♠ 2NT  ♣6 ♦6 ♥4
LoTT: 17 - 18 = -1
Par: +140 3♥-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  200          5.33   0.67  4♠ E -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  200          5.33   0.67  4♠ E -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  100          3.58   2.42  4♠ E -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        100    2.42   3.58  4♥ N -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        300    1.25   4.75  5♥* N -2  A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        500    0.08   5.92  5♥* N -3  A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A2-May-Magaha
20 ♠KT9874
♥96
♦985
♣T3
 Dlr: West
Vul: Both
♠5
♥AQJ8
♦QJ643
♣AQ6
 ♠A32
♥KT432
♦KT
♣K84
♠QJ6
♥75
♦A72
♣J9752
3
1613
8
Double Dummy Makes
NS:  ♣4 ♦1 ♥1 ♠6 NT1
EW: 3♣ 6♦ 6♥ 1♠ 4NT
LoTT: 18 - 18 = 0
Par: -1430 6♥-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
        680    4.00   2.00  5♥ E +1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        680    4.00   2.00  4♥ W +2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        680    4.00   2.00  4♥ E +2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        680    4.00   2.00  4♥ E +2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        680    4.00   2.00  4♥ E +2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A2-May-Magaha
        690    1.00   5.00  5N E +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
       1430    0.00   6.00  6♥ E      A4-Rusk-Hall vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
21 ♠Q87
♥QT3
♦QT43
♣AT2
 Dlr: North
Vul: N-S
♠T53
♥82
♦K62
♣98643
 ♠9642
♥AK6
♦987
♣KJ5
♠AKJ
♥J9754
♦AJ5
♣Q7
10
311
16
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♣ 2♦ 3♥ 2♠ 3NT
EW:  ♣6 ♦5 ♥3 ♠5 NT4
LoTT: 15 - 16 = -1
Par: +600 3NT-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  170          6.00   0.00  2♥ S +2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        100    3.50   2.50  4♥ S -1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        100    3.50   2.50  4♥ S -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        100    3.50   2.50  4♥ S -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        100    3.50   2.50  4♥ S -1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        200    0.50   5.50  3N S -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        200    0.50   5.50  3N S -2   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A2-May-Magaha

Stephen Cooper Hand Analysis

Although some Easts may scrape up an opening bid (perhaps a weak notrump?), many N/S pairs will have an unimpeded auction to choose between hearts and notrump.

South's hand "qualifies" for either a 1♥ or 1NT opening. Which way should he lean? Although either bid could work out, 1NT is a better overall initial description, although you may not be able to show the fifth heart. If you start with 1♥, you have a hard rebid no matter what partner does! Notice that 16 HCP is an in-between range. With a little less, you would have a comfortable minimum rebid, and with a little more, you would be able to jump rebid. But with no second suit, this hand is awkward.

A 1NT opening leads to a very simple 1NT-3NT sequence. This makes easily by setting up the hearts.

After a 1♥ start, North first has to evaluate his hand. Is it just a simple raise (perhaps "constructive", if you play that you would first bid 1NT (forcing) with a weaker single raise), or is it a limit raise? It does have ten HCP, along with three tens, but the pattern is sterile for suit play, and it is unlikely that all of your queens are useful to partner. A sequence of 1♥-2♥, all pass, is possible and not unreasonable!

Note if North makes a single raise, South might be content with passing, as he only has slight extra values. If he does want to invite game, he could bid 2NT, showing the general nature of his hand, and North would be thrilled to raise to 3NT.

One last sequence using forcing no-trumps: 1♥-1NT; 2♦-3♥-3NT-P.

There are many ways to get to 3NT. Simplest is usually best.


****************************************
Comments? Questions? CLICK HERE for a personal response or email me at stephen.e.cooper@gmail.com

22 ♠KQ43
♥AT9
♦KT9
♣864
 Dlr: East
Vul: E-W
♠9862
♥K6532
♦65
♣72
 ♠AT75
♥Q4
♦A742
♣AQ3
♠J
♥J87
♦QJ83
♣KJT95
12
316
9
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♣ 2♦ 1♥ 3NT  ♠5
EW: 1♠  ♣4 ♦4 ♥6 NT4
LoTT: 15 - 16 = -1
Par: +400 3NT-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  400          6.00   0.00  3N N      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  300          4.50   1.50  2N E -3   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  300          4.50   1.50  2♠ E -3   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  200          3.00   3.00  2♥ E -2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  100          1.50   4.50  2♥ E -1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  100          1.50   4.50  2♥ E -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A2-May-Magaha
        110    0.00   6.00  2♥ E      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
23 ♠KQT43
♥62
♦QJ765
♣2
 Dlr: South
Vul: Both
♠875
♥KJ5
♦T4
♣JT653
 ♠J962
♥84
♦AK2
♣AK97
♠A
♥AQT973
♦983
♣Q84
8
515
12
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 2♦ 1♥  ♣4 ♠6 NT5
EW: 3♣ 1NT  ♦4 ♥5 ♠6
LoTT: 17 - 17 = 0
Par: -110 3♣-EW		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  110          5.50   0.50  2♥ S      A4-Rusk-Hall vs A2-May-Magaha
  110          5.50   0.50  2♥ S      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
        100    3.50   2.50  3♥ S -1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        100    3.50   2.50  2♥ S -1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        200    1.00   5.00  4♥ S -2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        200    1.00   5.00  2♥ S -2   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        200    1.00   5.00  2♥ S -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A7-Richards-Ravede
24 ♠AT64
♥K6
♦92
♣QT943
 Dlr: West
Vul: None
♠KJ972
♥87
♦A8
♣KJ65
 ♠Q53
♥J54
♦JT64
♣A82
♠8
♥AQT932
♦KQ753
♣7
9
128
11
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 3♦ 4♥ 1NT  ♣6 ♠6
EW: 1♠  ♣6 ♦4 ♥3 NT5
LoTT: 17 - 16 = +1
Par: +420 4♥-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  420          6.00   0.00  4♥ N      A4-Rusk-Hall vs A2-May-Magaha
  200          5.00   1.00  3♥ S +2   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  150          4.00   2.00  3♠ W -3   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  140          3.00   3.00  3♥ S      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  100          1.50   4.50  3♠ W -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  100          1.50   4.50  3♠ W -2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        100    0.00   6.00  4♥ S -2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
25 ♠A6
♥T753
♦A954
♣QJ8
 Dlr: North
Vul: E-W
♠943
♥AK6
♦J73
♣K642
 ♠J8
♥Q942
♦KQ82
♣T53
♠KQT752
♥J8
♦T6
♣A97
11
118
10
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 3♠ 2NT  ♣6 ♦6 ♥6
EW: 1♦ 1♥  ♣6 ♠4 NT5
LoTT: 16 - 15 = +1
Par: +140 3♠-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  150          6.00   0.00  3♣ N +2   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  130          3.50   2.50  4♣ N      A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  130          3.50   2.50  3♣ N +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A2-May-Magaha
  130          3.50   2.50  3♣ N +1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  130          3.50   2.50  2♣ N +2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  120          1.00   5.00  1N N +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
        100    0.00   6.00  5♣ N -2   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
26 ♠A
♥J753
♦Q3
♣AKJ964
 Dlr: East
Vul: Both
♠K83
♥982
♦AT965
♣Q2
 ♠Q62
♥AK64
♦J872
♣T8
♠JT9754
♥QT
♦K4
♣753
15
910
6
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 4♣ 2♠ 2NT  ♦5 ♥6
EW: 2♦  ♣3 ♥5 ♠5 NT5
LoTT: 18 - 18 = 0
Par: +130 4♣-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  200          6.00   0.00  2♠ W -2   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  170          5.00   1.00  3♥ N +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A2-May-Magaha
  140          3.50   2.50  3♥ N      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  140          3.50   2.50  2♥ N +1   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A7-Richards-Ravede
        100    1.50   4.50  4♥ N -1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
        100    1.50   4.50  2♥ N -1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
        200    0.00   6.00  3♥ N -2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
27 ♠K82
♥AK9543
♦AQ5
♣8
 Dlr: South
Vul: None
♠QJ9765
♥QT
♦KJ4
♣Q2
 ♠3
♥8762
♦876
♣AKJ94
♠AT4
♥J
♦T932
♣T7653
16
118
5
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 1♣ 3♦ 4♥ 2♠ 2NT
EW:  ♣5 ♦2/3 ♥3 ♠5 NT5
LoTT: 15 - 14 = +1
Par: +420 4♥-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  170          5.50   0.50  2♠ S +2   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  170          5.50   0.50  2♠ S +2   A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  140          2.00   4.00  3♠ S      A5-Bitner-Murray vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
  140          2.00   4.00  2♠ S +1   A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A2-May-Magaha
  140          2.00   4.00  2♠ S +1   A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  140          2.00   4.00  2♠ S +1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A1-Doughton-Braswell
  140          2.00   4.00  2♠ S +1   A6-Berg-Mullins vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
28 ♠AKT97
♥A2
♦93
♣KT96
 Dlr: West
Vul: N-S
♠86
♥T43
♦A7652
♣432
 ♠Q2
♥Q875
♦KQT4
♣QJ5
♠J543
♥KJ96
♦J8
♣A87
14
412
10
Double Dummy Makes
NS: 4♣ 1♦ 3♥ 5♠ 2NT
EW:  ♣2 ♦6 ♥3 ♠2 NT2
LoTT: 17 - 18 = -1
Par: +650 5♠-NS		 
  N-S   E-W    N-S    E-W   Contract
  650          6.00   0.00  4♠ N +1   A3-Farrell-Schnalke vs A6-Flack Jr-Rosenberg
  620          3.50   2.50  4♠ N      A1-Atherton-Dunn vs A2-May-Magaha
  620          3.50   2.50  4♠ N      A2-Harper-Lindeman vs A4-Nuthmann-Watson
  620          3.50   2.50  4♠ N      A6-Berg-Mullins vs A5-Croom-Akerstrom
  620          3.50   2.50  4♠ N      A7-Gregory-Meronek vs A7-Richards-Ravede
  170          1.00   5.00  3♠ N +1   A5-Bitner-Murray vs A3-Kongsvik-Carson
        100    0.00   6.00  4♠ N -1   A4-Rusk-Hall vs A1-Doughton-Braswell