| Choosing the best Slam |
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This hand is from the Middlesex Green-Pointed Swiss Pairs and shows the importance of clear thinking.
2♠ by East is Game Forcing showing a strong 6-card suit in a strong hand. West's 3♠ shows the 6-2 fit and indicates slam interest (with a weaker hand West would go straight to 4♠) .
4NT is simple Blackwood. When West shows three Aces East can count 11 sure tricks (6 Spades, ♥ A, ♦ AK, ♣ AK). With West having shown Slam Interest a Small Slam is near-certain.
East has a choice of: Pass; 5NT; 6♠ ; 6NT; 7♠ ; or 7NT? Which would you choose and why?
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| Show Answer |
You need to ask if West has the ♥ K, so bid 5NT.
When West answers 5♦ (showing one King) East can count 13 tricks (6 Spades, ♥ AKQ, ♦ AK, ♣ AK) and must bid 7NT.
You are playing Pairs and that extra 10 points could make all the difference to your percentage on this hand.
PS If you play Roman Key Card Blackwood West will tell you they have 0 or 3 of the 5 Key Cards (4 Aces and ♠ K). With 0 they would not have shown slam interest so you should still bid 5NT. |
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| Killing Defence or Asleep At The Wheel? |
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Playing for Suffolk B I was asleep at the wheel on this hand although we won the match 17-3.
Partner leads the ♠ 7.
Plan your defence. What is your best chance of making 5 tricks and what card do you play to the second trick?
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| Show Answer |
You need five tricks to beat 3♦ .
Your best chance is that partner has led the singleton ♠ 6, and has the ♥ K.
Win the ♠ A then lead the ♠ 9 to Trick Two. Partner will ruff but will notice you led a higher Spade than you needed which is a signal you want the higher Suit led back (Hearts).
That gives you a chance to take the ♥ A then lead another Spade for Partner to ruff before cashing the ♥ K for the setting trick. |
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