Long Suit in Dummy

Hand # 1 was an exercise in dealing with long clubs and short trumps in Dummy.  Perfect timing from N/S was key to an acceptable score.  The main tactic should be to lead the long suit, strange as it may seem, and in the process run declarer out of it before trumps have been fully drawn.

Most declarers played in spades.  An opening heart lead to South should be followed with an immediate attack in clubs!  Declarer, with only two clubs, now does not have enough time to draw trumps and run the club suit.  South will win K ♠ and immediately lead a second club, removing access to dummy, whilst trumps are still out.

Diagnostics show that 2 ♠ is the maximum contract in that suit.

Quote:  Nine tenths of wisdom consists of being wise in time.  Theodore Roosevelt

Distribution 4-4-4-1 (3%)

Deal # 21 should have produced 12 tricks in spades although a small slam was a bit dodgy requiring Q ♦ to be located.  The main interest is how to handle a difficult distribution since there is no 5-card suit available.

    i)  Traditional technique was to open the suit below the singleton.  In this case East would open 1 ♠ because it sits below clubs "next time round".  This is perfect for the partnership since West immediately has a good fit with high points.

   ii)  More popular in "Pairs" with both 4-card majors is to open 1 ♥ and wait for partner's response which effectively keeps options open.  West would call spades and problems over.

  iii)  Open 1 ♦ and West would probably shoot game in No Trumps.  It scores poorly with only 11 tricks available.

There are differing opinions among experts as to how this distribution should be tackled so check with partner beforehand.  A broad point would be to concentrate on major suits because they score better in the long run.

Quote:  When choosing between two evils I always like to take the one I have never tried before.  Mae West

Another Suit Preference Signal

Normally, a signal occurs when the suit led expects partner to ruff it.  A high or low card excluding the suit itself or trumps indicates how partner, after a ruff, can reach the signal hand for a repeat performance.  This SPS can also be used when the contract is in NTs.  Although three suits not two are available usually dummy can resolve any obfuscation.

West led 5 ♠ to A ♠ and a return was immediately made to K ♠ .  West now cleared spades with 2 ♠ telling partner if he/she secured the lead then return the lower of the three remaining suits.  No confusion existed because clubs was obviously not included given dummy's structure.  East duly regained the lead with K ♣ so knew to return a diamond rather than a heart.  West duly won with A ♦  and cashed the remaining spades for down two tricks. 

Without SPS East could have logically returned a heart with tragic consequences.

Quote:  There is nothing wrong with making mistakes.  Just don't respond with encores.  Anon   

McKenney Signals

Partner can signal to opener a suit switch if dummy is really short in the opening suit led, presumably Ace from A, K.  A high card wants a switch to the higher of the two remaining suits excluding trumps.  A low one requests the lower of the two.

Deal # 23 is a case in point.  South opens A, K ♠ .  Given the danger of developing diamonds North desperately wants a heart switch.  Poor and shortage of spades in dummy implies that a third spade lead is not safe.  North should play something like 7, 2 or J, 2 in spades to request the higher of the two remaining suits, namely hearts.  South now leads 3 ♥ and the contract is kept to nine tricks.  Anything else and an over trick results for a poor score.

This signal is often forgotten or misunderstood so remember it and use it when worthwhile.  It will pay handsome dividends in the long run.

Quote:  One of the greatest joys known to man is to take a flight into ignorance in search of knowledge.  Robert Lynd   

Opening Signal

It is always good when an opening lead has a safe option for the attack.  Deal # 24 is a case in point.  South reaches a diamond contract so West leads K ♥ .  Partner should help the suit if a wrap around honour is held, namely A ♥ or J ♥, by playing the highest card available (8 ♥) to notify that a continuation is safe.  West does not want to play Q ♥ at a later stage if it is going to set up J ♥ in declarer's hand.  The signal is important.

Quote:  Keep paying the electricity bill.  Medical advice to Roger Moore after he was fitted with a pacemaker.

Difficult Slam

E/W had a possible slam in either NTs (popular for extra 10 points) or the major suits.  Only one pair bid and made 6 ♥ given good breaks and K ♠ onside.  Six Easts reached 3 NT and all got 2 ♦ opening lead.  What is the correct play to guarantee the contract but maximise the trick potential?  West entries are limited.

Transfers NOT Stayman

Stayman is the usual response (11+ points) to an opening 1 NT when trying to find a major suit 4-4 game or one in NTs.  The exception occurs when partner has 11+ points and is 5-4 in the major suits.  Observe Deal # 8.

      i)  East replies with a x-fer 2 ♥ to the opening 1 NT

     ii)  West duly transfers to 2 ♠ 

    iii)  East now calls a game invitation 3 ♥ showing 5-4 in the major suits

West knows whether to suit decline at the three level, bid 3 NTs or punt game in the correct major which might be a 4-4, 5-4 or 5-3 if East has three cards in the transferred major suit

NB 1:  Note how many more options the transfer system gives

NB 2:  West will always sign off with only 12 points and exercise judgement with 13 points

NB 3:  Note the potential importance of 9 ♦ (the curse of Scotland) in the West hand  

Comment:  Transfers over Stayman?  Just Mills and Boon with Wonderbras.  (apologies to Kathy Lette)

Quote:  If you file your waste paper basket for 50 years you have a library.  Tony Benn  

Minor Suit Strategy

Marginal Games in a minor suit are more difficult than major ones because there is less room for judgement, accuracy and manipulation.  Board # 1 last night is an example.  The diagnostics state 11 tricks in clubs for N/S but the analysis is a little double-dummy.  West can barrage with 3 ♠ although 4 ♠ would be more effective but risking a double from east.

East leads a spade, West plays A ♠ and immediately switches to 9 ♦ presenting declarer with a nasty, seductive dilemma - to finesse or not.  Succumbing to seduction results in an immediate one down or worse.  East wins K ♦ and returns the suit for a ruff.  North should not stake everything on the favourable placing of the monarch.  The diamond looks suspiciously like a single or even possibly a high-low attempt.  There is an alternative approach which will work provided the trumps break 2-2, a 40% chance, or the K ♦ can be felled if the clubs only break 3-1.

Play A ♦ then A, K ♣ .  All is well!  Now duck a diamond then cross-ruff spades and diamonds with A ♥ providing an extra entry to enjoy Q, 7 ♦ .  Not so easy at the table with time pressures always looming.

This was a Teams event so 5 ♣ was not unreasonable a contract.  At Pairs the bid would be a little over the top given that mainly an even trump split was below the odds hence not playing with the field of 4 ♣ .  4 ♠ should force 5 ♣  or get doubled and the same for 5 ♠ .  When the opposition overbids then a double is necessary even if a bit risky. 

Quote:  The mountain remains unmoved at seeming defeat by the mist.  Rabindranath Tagore

Thought:  Presumably our Asian friend lived by the Himalayas?!

Hand Patterns

On any deal it is important to recognise that a hand format such as the most common 4-4-3-2 (21.55%) or 5-3-3-2 (15.52%) is also the same around the table.  So, holding a four-card suit the likely probability is that it breaks into the same distribution around the other three seats.  Here, East has three spades so the suit spread is likely to be 4-4-3-2 or 5-3-3-2.  Often the bidding indicates a clue as to which is likely.

Suit Control

Slam bidding has many facets and there are many tools available to identify suit controls or lack of them.  The trick is to avoid having twelve winners but two quick losers.  East opens 1 ♥ so West can bid a direct 3 ♥ ignoring the interruption.  When East calls 3 ♠ it is a cue bid looking for a slam otherwise East would simply go straight to game.  West now cue bids 4 ♣ and the slam is good odds.

If the partnership is frightened of a 3 ♥ bid being passed out then consider employing the "Jacoby 2 NTs".  A response of 2 NT to an opening major shows at least four trump cards with the equivalent of 12 points and guaranteed game bid.  East bids 3 ♠ etc.

Quote:  We owe almost all our knowledge not to those who have agreed but to those who have differed.  Charles Caleb Cotton

Careful Discards

South's 3 NT showed 19 points or slightly fewer if the diamond suit was excellent.  North was ambitious to initiate a slam hoping the ♣ 10 reinforced quality in clubs and spades.  South took the bait and West opened ♥ Queen.

South has 11 tricks so must develop another?  South cannot succeed against best defence but E/W must be careful of discards.  Observe that 6 ♣ would have been a better contract but how to get there!

Level of Fit

In defense, players are reluctant to bid too high if the collective points are not supportive of such an action.  However, it is a fact that if one side has at least a 4-4 fit then so does the opposition.  Points are not the issue rather the number of trumps between the side.

A basic rule of any over call is that it guarantees a good five card suit and at least 6 points (higher if vulnerable).  The continuation is that the partner of the over call adds similar trumps to the already five just heard and immediately bumps to that level to maximise awkwardness for the opposition.  Here, North added his 5 trumps to the known five in partner's hand so bid to the four level knowing that there were ten trumps between the two hands.  This stymied the opposition.

On this hand clever declarer play brought home the contract.  West opened with the ♣ K, Q.  East overtook the ♣ Q, played ♣ J then switched to diamonds.  South now knew that the ♠ K was with East so played for the drop and got a handsome reward.  Had the N/S hands been slightly fewer in points or the ♠ K been protected then one off would still have scored well since E/W had a contract. 

Always remember that Pairs is about getting a good relative score not making the contract although the latter helps.

Quote:  If you can't bite don't show your teeth.  Yiddish Proverb

Control Bidding

When Ira Corn, a Texas billionaire, financed a USA team to upstage the "Italian Blue Team" it was recognised that more accurate bidding was an essential characteristic in forging success.  Nearly a decade later that ultimate was achieved.  Now, many of the bridge pundits have incorporated their own styles into this overall umbrella approach.  Deal # 2 or even # 9 conveys that philosophy.

A fundamental rule of bidding is that a suit fit should be shown a.s.a.p.  Delayed game raises (DGR) are out.  Easier with the majors but awkward if opening 1 ♣ / 1 ♦ and partner replies 3 ♣ / 3 ♦ .  The temptation is to chance 3 NTs or rip 5 ♣ /5 ♦ and hope for the best.  However, luck is not a good friend of bidding.  Here is a recommended approach if playing an ACOL style system:

       i)  opener was 12 or 13 points then leave at the 3 level

      ii)  if top of one level bid then show partner the ace control/s from bottom up trying for 3 NTs

     iii)  opener's partner can now Ace call likewise or bid 3 NT knowing that all stops are in place

    iv)  Opener can now sign off with 4 ♣ / 4 ♦ or go for game at the five level or bid the better scoring 3 NTs 

As always good judgement is needed so an appreciation of intermediate cards should be considered.  Follow Deal # 2 and understand why the implicit system is more accurate.

Quote:  I'm all in favour of free expression provided it is kept strictly under control.  (with apologies to) Alan Bennett

Slam Success

South reached a good small slam contract.  The 4 ♥ was a help request from South for partner support in quest of a potential slam having established spades as the trump suit.  North had a cornucopia of the suit so immediately called RKCB.  With a paucity of hearts North would have simply signed off in 4 ♠.  Opening lead was ♣ A followed by ♣ K and ruffed leaving declarer to make twelve tricks.  The other major considerations were diamonds and trump control. 

How would you best play the hand?

Difficult Slam

Two pairs made 12 tricks in NTs on a combined twenty-six cards of 31 points but with strong intermediates - below par for slam bidding but the K ♠ was pinioned and the menacing clubs conveniently sandwiched between the E/W hands.  Declarer should win the opening lead and immediately take the spade finesse.  When that works lead a low club from East to trap one of the outstanding clubs.  Force out the remaining one and 12 tricks are there.  Timing is important.

Technique here is to recognise the potential of the club suit.  Without it the tempo is lost.  Most West pairs stopped in 3 NTs making ten or eleven tricks.

The diagnostics at the bottom right of each deal are rather double-dummy but they do tend to indicate what can or should have been done.

Quote:  A reformer is a guy who rides through a sewer in a glass bottom boat.  James J Walker 

Rescue Operation

Last Friday I was playing a version of "Pairs" where the hands and percentage results from a previous international event were all reproduced and the challenge on each deal was to match the correct efforts of the experts.  Not easy.  What might seem a respectable contract at standard club levels could be ruthlessly exposed against the professionals.  There is always something to learn and the experience should be regarded as "enjoyable".

   i)  when dummy is tabled is the contract correct in either ♠ / ♥ / ♦ / ♣ / NT

  ii)  is the level correct particularly if a game or slam concern

 iii)  how many tricks can be made following standard probabilities

If anything above has gone missing can a rectification be made even if slightly against the odds?

Study the above hand where I as west fell foul of my poor bidding and partner compounded the felony.  I counted a potential 14 points from my partner's opening 1 NT so added to my 17 points did not hit the magic 33.  I quite wrongly signed off in 3 NTs, a likely contract at club level.  When dummy was tabled East saw 11 tricks on a normal diamond split and that was that.  East should have seen that an easy 6 ♦ was missed and that 6 NTs could also be made if the clubs behaved well, which they did.  Failure to call 6 ♦ or 6 NTs resulted in a terrible percentage.  East should have tried for 12 tricks in NTs.  If the ♣ K, Q were both offside then going down was not much different from only making 11.

The proper sequence using RKCB was:  1 NT - 3 ♦ - 4 ♦ - 4 NT - 5 ♥ (two aces including trump king, no queen) - 6 ♦ .  West could punt 6 NT, more risk but higher score.

Quote:  Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification.  Martin H Fisher

Par Contract

Deal # 7 is typical of many contracts in "Pairs".  It concerns achieving an average score not necessarily making the contract.  The title can be defined as "the product of best efforts from both sides".  Sometimes the ideal cannot be reached.  Regardless of card placements it always pays to be aggressive in the bidding especially at favourable vulnerability.  In "Pairs" it might be dangerous to enter the bidding but even more dangerous to stay out!  One-off can be a good score.

West must over call 1 ♦ with 1 ♥ .  North raises partner.  East must force with 2 ♠, the controlling suit in "Pairs".  Holding six of them it is imperative to either play in the suit rather than let South have an easy ride.  South gets forced to 3 ♦ where bidding stops.

Study the diagnostics box in the bottom right of the deal displayed.  Both 2 ♠ and 3 ♦ will make.  East cannot try 3 ♠ because of the vulnerability and risk of a double.  Likewise, South cannot let East play an easy 2 ♠ .  3 ♦ is the par contract.  Beyond this swings occur in the scoring.

Study the Traveller and see how varied the scores around the par 3 ♦ .

Quote:  I not only use all the brains I have but all I can borrow.  Woodrow Wilson (former US president in late twenties)

Bibliography:  Match-Point Bridge.  Hugh Kelsey

Weak 2 ♦

It was a good night for N/S if playing weak twos and feature responses.  Both Deals # 22 & 25 illustrated this point.  Since a weak two hand is far more likely than a strong one the emphasis has moved to keeping 2 ♣ as a strong opening bid but the rest are weak unlike "Benjamin Acol" which played weak twos only in the majors.  If partner replies 2 NT showing 15+ points the responses are either "Ogust" or "Features".  The former describes what but crucially not where.  The latter asks for a second suit which has some benefit or else a sign-off in three of the suit.

A weak two should only be opened if holding 5/6 - 10 points and at least two cards in the trump suit containing A, K, Q, J or 10.  If partner replies 2 NT then a good hand is evaluated by adding points to number of high cards in the trump suit.  If 10+ then call a feature else sign-off.

Features are defined in priority as:   

       i)  Bid the other 4-card major if held

      ii)  3NT if holding at least two of the top three honours in the trump suit

      iii)  Bid the relevant minor suit with A, x or three to an honour

Otherwise sign-off in three of the trump suit.

NB:  It is often overlooked that a poor 7-card suit which does not qualify for an opening three could be used as a "Weak Two" instead.

Quote:  Macho does not prove mucho.  Zsa Zsa Gabor 

Careful 3NTs

Have a look at Deal # 11 Where N/S reached 3 NTs and got ♥ 6 lead.  Nobody made it although it was the correct contract.  One person, me, even went two off in 2 NTs!  At leisure over a cup of coffee or even stronger determine the correct methodology for nine tricks.  One major issue is how to play the spade suit.

Pre-Emptive Hand

Deal # 20 gave West an opening problem and North an even bigger one, whether to defend or push forwards.

An 8-card suit would imply that the correct level of opening should be 4 ♦ and particularly because zero hearts would imply that N/S has a contract in that suit if left to its own devices.  The only catch is that with a 4-card other major there might be a better fit for E/W in spades.  If West opens 3 ♦, a bit low, then North should keep silent.  Although the North hand is good its values are defensive in nature being distributed across the suits.  There is a decent chance of defeating the contract without risking a poor score through competing.

Study the Traveller.  The results are all over the place.  The principles of tackling pre-empts and whether to attack or defend them are perhaps a matter for study from all of us!

Quote:  It is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.  Adlai Stevenson 

Too Quick

Sometimes the obvious is less correct than further analysis would suggest.  This hand was played during the "Spring Nationals" of 1963 organised by what was effectively the then British Bridge League.  Most of the E/W experts started with ♥ A,Q,K then switched to ♣ 10 through North's holding.

As declarer, winning the club lead can you make the contract?  There appear to be 9 tricks on top so a tenth is needed.

Nine Card Diamond Suit

South collected nine diamonds.  This distribution occurs marginally more than 37 times every 100 000 hands.

North opens 1 ♥, East replies 1 ♠ so South barrages with 5 ♦ !  The logic is that twelve spades exist in three hands which probably gives the opposition a combined nine cards.  Remember that North has already shown five slots with hearts.  A rocket bid presents E/W with problems.  If 5 ♠ is imposed then double it!  E/W has pinched your contract so a double is the only way to maximise a potential score.  Should the double make then little is lost.  Usually E/W will not get there.  Remember "Pairs" is frequency rather than quality of score.

The traveller shows 5 ♦ is a make but running a long suit poses all sorts of problems for the opposition.  Poor discarding or favourable location of opposition cards can always be a bonus.  N/S also enjoys favourable vulnerability.

Quote:  Science is what you know, philosophy is what you don't.  Bertrand Russell

Hand Evaluation

Deal # 5 is a case where I have often highlighted the overall value of a hand.  It is not just about the "Milton Point Count" plus distributional values.  High interspersing, intermediate cards can play a crucial role in supporting a bid.  Remember that A,J,10 will score two tricks 76% of the time whereas A,J,x will produce only one.  The "10" and to a lesser extent the "9" upgrade values provided the intermediate is strongly attached to an honour card.

Here, North is the dealer playing a weak 1 NT (12-14).  The even spread is ideal and the ♠ 10 in a four card suit, particularly a major, upgrades the hand to 12 points.  Point ranges are an informal agreement with partner.  Small manual adjustments are perfectly ethical.  Also remember an old adage from Robson but probably regurgitated elsewhere, "It is risky to enter the bidding but even more dangerous to remain out of it!"

If you study the results for deal # 5 you will observe that there was little difference between 1 NT making or going one off.  In "Pairs" the issue is to get a good score not necessarily make the contract.  Should the bidding exceed 1 NT then partner will be aware of the combined holding.

Quote:  Change must be measured from a known base line.  Evan Shute

.

Management of Probabilities

Improve on failure from several declarers in 3 NT.  West led ♠ J, East encouraged high with ♠ 8 and South won with ♠ A.  Seven tricks were immediately available and there was just enough time for the other two developed from diamonds or clubs.  How?

Evolve a solution then open the other two hands and study the answer.  Simple but all is not as it seems.

Complete Evidence

Four experts were at the table.  West led ♦ 4 to partner's ♦ Ace.  East returned ♦ Q and South ruffed low watching West pass ♦ 5.  Declarer now played ♠ 4 to dummy's ♠ Ace and saw ♠ Q drop from the West hand.  As declarer how would you continue?

There are four outside tricks in hearts and diamonds so six trumps are needed to ensure the contract.

McKenney Preference Signal

Most players employ some form of discard signal be it "Dodds", Attitude (High-Aye, Low-No) or "McKenney".  The latter also can be very useful after the opening lead from partner.  Study Deal # 10.  Both North and East were optimistic about bidding but after East secured a spade contract South made a good, supportive A ♣ as opening lead.

Observe dummy and now ask, "Which card should North play in response to a low club from from dummy?"

Good Timing

West, a famous member of the "Italian Blue Team", led 3 ♥ to 5, 9 and Queen.  Declarer represented the national Danish team.  Plan the play on what is a poor contract with the necessary assumption that A ♣ is right sided.

Enemy Double?

East opened 1 ♠ .  As South what do you bid?  Other hands not supplied.

      i)  "Double" of the opening 1 ♠ bid

      ii)  Overcall 2 ♦ 

     iii)  Call 1 NT

Transfers + Void

Only one Pair made a small slam on Deal # 20 largely because a void suit makes Blackwood and its variations difficult to critically analyse.  RKCB is the best option normally played.  Cue Bids and Splinters help but most players currently don't employ them.

A likely scenario for getting to a slam would be as given.  Although a grand slam can be made it is not a good option relying on finding the club Queen.

West opens 1 NT.  East calls 2 ♦ as a x-fer to hearts so west calls 2 ♥ leaving East to call 3 ♣ as a second suit.  West replies 3 ♦ easing the void situation and East calls 4 ♣ showing at least a 5-5 suit distribution or more likely 5 hearts and six clubs.  West, hearts as implied trump suit, now knows the strong distribution and can call 4 NT (RKCB),  East replies 5 ♦ showing 3 aces including trump king.  West now knows that a small slam is a very good prospect so bids 6 ♥ .

Not an easy slam and difficult unless a regular pairing.  East / West must correctly co-ordinate to reach the best contract.

Quote:  When spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.  Ethiopian Proverb 

1 NT Strategy & Responses

North's strategy after a 1 NT should be to employ the Transfer system NOT Stayman.  The latter is purely for attempting a major four card fit.  When five cards are held then the X-fer system is used either for a weak takeout or higher contract.

North calls 2 ♥ for a X-fer into 2 ♠.  East takes the opportunity to double the conventional call as a lead for partner.  South follows with 2 ♠ and now, crucially, North responds 2 NT to show five spades and 11 - 12 points.  With three spades South signs off into 3 ♠.  Had South only possessed two spades then the response would be 2 NT.  Had north held 13 - 14 points then the reply would be 3 NT leaving partner to pick the final contract. 

A 3 ♠ contract fails by one trick for an average score mainly because a finesse fails.

Quote:  Success is a science.  If you have the conditions you get the result.  Oscar Wilde 

Weak Suits & Weak Hands

All text books hammer a common theme, "Don't bid weak suits on weak hands".  It is dangerous at "Pairs" but enticing when playing "Weak Twos".  Above deal on 11th July is a good example.

West opened too light with 2 ♥ .  North declared fortuitously in spades so East naturally led ♥ K, a fatal mistake since it gave the opposition a free trick.

      i)  "Weak Two" minimum qualification should be least 2 cards from A,K,Q,J,10 but avoiding just J,10.  Partner now has a safe lead.

     ii)  Vulnerability should always be a factor in weak openings.

    iii)  A seven card suit too weak for a normal pre-empt can also be opened with a weak two, not generally observed at club level.

Quote:  The learned is happy, nature to explore, the fool is happy that he knows no more.  Alexander Pope

Crossing the Rubicon / Grand Larceny

This uninspired deal occurred in Greece at an international tournament for juniors.  North, playing "Canapé", opened 1 ♠ which meant that the shorter of two suits was bid first.  The final contract was ridiculous so East levied a Lightner double asking partner for an unusual lead, in this case a spade.

Void in spades, West led the ♣ A and followed with a second to dummy's ♣ K .  Declarer was in serious trouble.  ♦ A, K could dump two spade losers from hand but what about the third one?  Chris Konstas tried an old ruse.  Ignoring the diamonds he ran off his eight trumps.

East had to reduce to three cards.  He saw ♦ A, K, J in dummy and so simply assumed that South had kept a diamond and two spades.  Accordingly, he kept ♦ Q, 8, 4 throwing his spades relying on partner for the blocking spade.  Konstas promptly cashed his three paltry spades to bring home an impossible contract.

South managed to swim the River Styx and deliver a forlorn contract.  East, anticipating an easy ride, got an unexpected answer.  Such is bridge!

Quote:  Courage - fear that has said its prayers.  Dorothy Bernard

Bidding, Timing

There is something for everyone in this deal played at Robson's duplicate evening:

       i)  North called a strategic 1 NT rather than a cramped 2 ♥ response which would force South into recalling 2 ♠ on a minimum opening hand

      ii)  South then called 2 ♦ showing a 5-4 distribution and North raised to 3 ♦, the par contract

NB:  1 NT by North was a correct response since South would call hearts if possessed (physically not mentally)

West had listened to the bidding - usually a good idea! - indicating North was short in spades therefore opening J ♦ would restrict ruffs in dummy.

With ♦ J opening lead how does South play?  Normal suit breaks give eight tricks in hearts, spades and diamonds.  Clubs must develop one trick.  Ruffing power is part of the solution therefore trumps cannot be completely drawn.

Support Partner (Deal # 2)

Always supporting partner with at least 6 points (or a suitable 5), even with a dustbin call of 1 NT to keep bidding going, is not the same as believing that a pass is required if fewer than 5 points.  Support, distribution, good intermediates and vulnerability should all be taken into consideration.  There is a general rule in Pairs that although it can be dangerous to enter the bidding it can be even worse to remain out of it.  The logic applies because making the contract is not the requirement although it can be paramount.  The main objective is frequency of good score which could easily be one off if the contract has been stolen from the opposition.

Here, west should have probably intervened with 1 ♥ or even a WJO, 2 ♥.  West supported partner - and could have gone to 3 ♣ given the non-vulnerable status, risky but necessary.  The correct percentage play with clubs was for East to play A ♣ and view the outcome.  This piece of safety highlighted a probable poor split resulting in 3 ♣ being made although one-off would have scored well.  Spades was another possibility for nuisance bidding but tough to reach.  View the Traveller.

There is no golden rule about bidding on a paucity of points other than good judgement but practice makes perfect.

Quote:  The first problem for all of us, men and women, is not to learn but to unlearn.  Gloria Steinem   

Intermediate Cards

Sometimes difficulty exists whether to bid game after opening 1 NT with 13 points and getting 2 NT reply from partner.  A combined 25 points will make 9 tricks about half the time.  However, partner might have only have 11 points and even 12 points will only produce 50% of the time.  Is it worth it?

At Pairs more caution is required.  Ask the following questions:

     i)  Does my 1 NT have a promising 5-card suit?

    ii)  Do I have good intermediate cards like A,J,10 ; A,Q,10 ; K,Q,9,8 (plus other useful combinations) because low piglets are unhelpful?

   iii)  If I am lagging on the ladder should I try to beef the run rate?

Deal 20 puts North on the spot.  The combined total could be 24 or 25 points.  However, the hand is poor in intermediate cards so play safe.  Analysis shows that 9 tricks are there but it is double dummy play.

Quote:  The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool.  William McFee

PS:  Indebted to Reese, Kelsey, Robson and Mr Bridge for the above philosophies 

Pre-Emptive Overcall

There is often confusion about what constitutes a barrage bid after an opposition's opening salvo.  Contrary to popular opinion it is not simply a 3 or 4 level call although that might coincidentally be the correct level.  The rule is that at least a double jump from the opening bid marks a pre-empt.  A simple jump shows a strong hand and usually implies a game force.  If the partnership has a different understanding then the opposition must be alerted.

Deal # 5 was an interesting case in point with vulnerability affecting the outcomes.  After East opened 1 ♦ South should barrage with 5 ♣ denoting an 8-card suit - 4 ♣ would have shown a 7-card holding.   This effectively prevents E/W from two possible slams in diamonds or hearts with 5 ♦ or 5 ♥ still difficult to reach.  The vulnerability affected the score sheet which was all over the place particularly when E/W doubled the 5 ♣.

Quote:  It is a blind goose that cometh to the fox's sermon.  John Lyly  

Assess the Hand

South was declarer in a smart Teams match.  What is the best approach to make nine tricks on ♠ 4 lead?  Seven are available.

Stayman v Transfers

In general response to a weak 1 NT opening what does partner bid with a 5-4 or 4-5 holding in the major suits?  With 10 points or fewer, also 11 and poor intermediate cards, call Stayman then Pass if opener responds with a major suit because a part score fit in spades or hearts has been found.  If 2 ♦ is the response then sign off with the 5-card suit in the majors.  The best compromise has been discovered.  

On Deal # 19 responder had 19 points.  With 12+ points or 11 and good intermediates North transfers via 2 ♥ to spades then after the 2 ♠ reply by South North calls 3 ♥ .  This shows 5-4 in the majors and a game force to whichever the opener chooses.  South calls 4 ♠.  North can now initiate a version of Blackwood given good distribution.  One pair bid and made 6 ♠  for a good score.

The general point about this deal is that it highlights how and when to correctly use the two conventions.  Don't just call Stayman because of a loading in hearts and spades.  Judicial judgement within a combined point count is important.

Quote:  A leader is a dealer in hope.  Napolean Bonaparte  

Good Two Suites

Deal # 7 for E/W had a seductive choice of game contracts because 5 ♣ or 5 ♠ was available.  Pairs can be a different game from Teams or Rubber.  A minor suit contract should be avoided because spades scores much better given a normal 3-2 break which is 68% likely.  Even 4 ♠ could be made on a 4-1 break with careful play.  Only two pairs managed 4 ♠ for a good score.  The remainder were all in 5 ♣ making on proper defence.

Always remember that small risks should be taken for a major suite game.  Ten tricks will outscore eleven in a minor suit.  If the spade fit had been located then Blackwood could have been used to check for aces.  The long clubs would provide discards in the East hand.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained! 

A quick word about N/S.  Once North has over called in hearts then South should bid to the level of fit (4 ♥ ) simply to make life difficult for the opposition.  At table five it made no difference!

Quote:  No man is demolished but by himself.  Thomas Bentley 

Actions Louder Than Words

It was imperative for East, particularly at favourable vulnerability, to interrupt with a 2 ♥ bid.  Eight points is the minimum in fourth position.  The suit over call must be at least 5 cards and of reasonable strength.  The latter can be ascertained by counting a point for each A,K,Q,J,10 held in the suit plus one each for every card held in it.  Here, East held Q,J,10 which together with the 5-card suit added up to eight, the level (2♥) acceptable for the call.  It paid handsome dividends.  West led 6 ♥ and declarer was in trouble.

Note 1:  Without the 2 ♥ call West would have to guess an opening.  East constructively removed that doubt.  The contract drifted one light.

Note 2:  South responded 2 NT showing 15-16 points and a stopper in the heart suit.

Quote:  Actions speak louder than words - or vice-versa?  Abraham Lincoln (1856) 

Decision / Opening Lead

West knew from the bidding that partner had almost zero points.  South had opened and North responded with the now popular "Jacoby 2 NTs" showing 4 trump support, 12+ points and a game force.  This convention is well worth adopting when partner opens with either 1 ♥ or 1 ♠ .  It does not apply to minor suit openings where 2 NTs still shows a standard 11 / 12 points and a balanced hand.

With which suit would you open as West?  Clubs look dangerous but:

      i)  8 ♥ heart lead could reduce some ruffing power in dummy

     ii)  A ♦ gives a free, safe looking view of dummy

    iii)  Q ♠ is an alternative to diamonds

Spend a few moments rehashing possibilities then look at answer.  Safety or agression?

Opening & Overcall

There are a few important points from Deal # 2:

      i)  South opens 1 ♣ with the lower of two 4-card suits not the higher

     ii)  West overcalls 1 ♥ showing a minimum of 8 points at the one level and the bid guarantees a decent 5+ card suit and safe opening lead for partner

    iii)  North bids 1 ♠ and East calls 2 ♥ which is bidding to the level of fit implying that eight hearts between the partnership underlines a safe 2 ♥ contract

N/S can make 4 ♠ but E/W have disrupted the bidding and helped to make sound play in the process.

Quote:  Grace is given of God but knowledge is bought in the market.  Arthur Hugh Clough (no relation of the late Brian Clough)     

Auto Pilot

Mechanical play by declarer can be expensive.  This teams deal was a flat board through correct bidding and identical play in both rooms. 

South chose a strong 1 NT rather than 1 ♠ avoiding a rebid if partner calls 2 ♥ .  North barraged 3 NT.

      i)  South was circumspect to open a NT

     ii)  North did not use "Stayman" since there was no ruffing power in the hand

    iii)  West was careful to lead ♥ 6 rather than a diamond since the bidding seemed to indicate a shortage in the major suits thus giving declarer only 8 tricks on helpful spades

East won opening lead with ♥ K and immediately returned ♥ 7 (higher of remaining two cards) ducked by West and won by ♥ Queen.

How do you as declarer play the hand assuming that spades are OK?  A diamond finesse or club establishment look obvious possibilities.

Pairs Technique

West leads ♠ K and then switches to ♥ 10 to cut dummy ruffs.  As declarer, how do you play the hand?  First, and often forgotten, always check to determine if the contract is the normal field or better in which case play down the line.  If poor then try to rescue it even if it means playing against the odds.

Here, there are part score or game contracts in hearts as well as diamonds or even 2 NTs.  What to do?  E/W hands not supplied.

Weak Twos - Blockbuster

Deal # 24 highlighted the versatility of a "Weak Two" particularly in spades but hearts to a lesser extent.  West passed so North, second in hand, had to come up with a decent bid.  Given the norms for a minimal opening the obvious was a 1 ♠ followed by 2 ♦ if time and bidding space allowed.  However, there is an extra responsibility if opening second in line and that is to prevent opener's partner from getting into the auction.  North only had one heart which strongly implied that E/W had a contract in hearts since the remaining twelve cards were highly likely to spread comfortably across the two opponents hands.  North should use the 6 spades to open with a weak 2 ♠ (only one point above maximum) thereby blocking out any easy reply from East.  South knows that north had six spades so ups to 3 ♠  using the principle of "level of fit".  That ends the auction.  3 ♠ avoiding game scored 78%.  The documented opening by East (J♣ ) would never have been found.

My partner and I followed the old fashioned method of :

         pass - 1 ♠ - double - 2 ♠ - pass - 3 ♠ (partner go 4 ♠ if initial reply was a maximum) - 4 ♠ (17%, yes it was but oops)

N/S hands were too symmetrical.  There are distributions where game will make but a weak 2 ♠ opening avoids this pitfall.

Quote:  The sun will set without thy assistance.  The Talmud

Alternative Route

All West players reached 3 NTs and received ♠ 6 lead to ♠ Q and ♠ King.  There were now 8 tricks with hearts providing the ninth.  The only problem was that South might win ♥ A and push a spade through the precarious ♠ Jack.

Most declarers immediately ran five clubs discarding ♥ 5, ♦ K then a low heart towards the ♥ Q hoping that either north possessed ♥ A or South held ♠ Ace.  Any alternative play possible?  Think of "HotW" commentary.

Opening Lead, Good Timing

South reached a good contract of 3 ♦ thanks to partner replying 1 NT rather than calling an obvious 2 ♥ .  Had north called hearts then South would have been cramped into 2 ♠ .  This is an important point when bidding.  Always allow for maximum suit fit possibilities.

West made an excellent opening lead of J ♦ reasoning that a trump would reduce ruffing power in dummy given that it appeared to be short in spades.  Always listen to the bidding!

Now deduce how you, as declarer, would proceed to tackle the 3 ♦ contract.  At Pairs South must make the contract for a good score given that many N/S players would be in a poor 2 ♠ contract. 

Fast Small Slam

The ninth & tenth trumps in a good suit fit bode well for a possible slam.  Here, declarer saw little need for "Blackwood" because only one Ace was missing so bid a straight, fast track slam in spades.

West opened with obvious ♦ Q, ducked by South, and won continuation with a spade ruff.  Several declarers went one down but a small minority got home.  As South how would you play the deal?

Jacoby 2 NTs

A lot of players now use the 2 NT response over partner's opening major suit to reflect 12+ points (could be slightly fewer) and 4-card trump fit with a game going hand.  The old 11 or 12 points and balanced hand has fallen away but retained for minor suit openings.  Slam investigations become a lot easier as well as a host of other gadgets (LTC) in modern bridge can be used.

Here, South opened light but following the "Rule of 20".  North's 2 NT showed a trump fit and game hand.  South called time by a straight rush to game, no further explorations necessary and partner got the message.

Think of the "HotW" quote and then imagine declarer viewing the two hands after receiving opening 10 ♥ .  It was a good pairs contract mainly depending upon the location of K ♥ & Q ♦ .  How would you play it?

Think Before You Act

South only had 9 points but his partner's opening hand, presumed four spades along with known shortage in West's heart suit made game a worthwhile punt.  This particular South also applied the LTC via spades for connoisseurs of the exercise.

West cashed a top trump then switched to ♥ K.  He was hoping to make two top trumps, one heart and ♦ A.  Declarer successfully finessed ♣ 10 and then threw away all his losing hearts on running the club suit.  Game made.

Are you happy with this style of play?

Get out of Jail

North reached a poor contract of 2 ♠ at game vulnerability.  Bidding was not text book theory.  When dummy was displayed her comments remained within the bounds of the OED along with any refrain towards biological impossibilities.  E/W, including myself, sensed a good score for the board.  Declarer overcame frustration, took stock of the favourable opening lead - a diamond or trump would have been fatal - and proceeded to make the contract!

I won't go into into complete details but always look for a rescue operation no matter how unlikely.  Here, North won opening A ♥, played A,K,Q ♣ getting the necessary 3-3 split and discarded two losing diamonds.  A low diamond was ruffed in the North hand and then a heart was led putting West on lead but crucially removing the suit from E/W hands.  West should probably have returned a trump but a diamond return looked like a safe alternative giving North a ruff.  North now led a middle spade which East mistakenly took with A ♠ and then the J ♠ plus another fortunate ruff gave North a 60% score.  Even one off would not have been fatal.

This example hand is not about excellence but rather fortitude under pressure. 

Quote:  The female of the species is more deadly than the male.  Rudyard Kipling

"Double" at Pairs

In Rubber or Teams one should not double unless there is an obvious strong chance of succeeding.  Usually this means that the contract should likely go at least two down, a bit subjective but there is built in insurance.  At pairs the result is based on frequency not absolute score so whenever the opposition has pinched one's own obvious contract then a double should be instituted.  If the stolen contract is made the double is largely insignificant because a bottom is a bottom!  Most text books highlight this philosophy stating that in general there is not enough doubling taking place at Pairs tournaments.  Often, the only way to counter a stolen contract is to double and try to restore equity.

Deal # 13 is a particular hand worthwhile of some study for both E/W and N/S.  The results were all over the spectrum.  A likely contract for N/S is 1 NT but East can upset the system by over calling 2 ♠ .  Spades are always important in Pairs because it forces further bidding to the three level, a fact not always happily confronted by the opposition.  In this latter case the only sensible course of action is to double the over call.  Here, 2 ♠ would go one down for a "Top" but on the night it was left to give E/W a 60% score.

Quote:  Faint heart never one fair lady.  Cervantes

Large Pre-Emptive Hands

Deal # 3 gave South an 8-card club suit.  How to bid it correctly?  It is an opening hand but not a strong two bid because there are not 8 real playing tricks.  Alternatively, to simply open 1 ♣ gives the opposition free reign.  With only four major suit cards in the hand there are therefore 22 outstanding ones infering that 14+ of them are divided between the opposition.  Probability dictates that E/W have a contract.  The only safe opening is a pre-emptive 4 ♣ making it impossible for E/W to reach 4 ♥ .  This is relatively safe particularly given the favourable vulnerability for N/S.  Most text books state whereas in Pairs it can be dangerous to enter the bidding it is even more dangerous to stay out of it.

Table presence is not easy and text book theory does not always work with long minor suits.  For the record, an 8-card suit occurs 47 times per 10 000 deals.  This is shaded slightly because the dealing machine limits dispersion to a maximum of nine cards per suit.

Quote:  We should keep the Panama Canal.  After all we stole it fair and square.  S I Hayakawa

Risk & Reward

This deal produced a lay down small slam with the easy possibility of an over trick for a clear "Top" via a trump finesse and no problems if spades broke 3-2 (68%).  A 5-0 split (4%) or losing finesse (50%) into long 4-1 spades (16%) and immediate partner ruff would result in a bottom score.  Was a 13th trick worth it?  At Teams with IMP scoring or Rubber the answer is "no".  At Pairs the question is not so straight forward.  The risk is about 10% with Pairs considering frequency not quality of score.  There is no clear, definitive answer but pundits suggest that anything better than 20% is worth it.

On a probable club lead play to Q ♠ and take the trump finesse.  Then work on spades for the over trick.  Note that if the opposition opens with a spade then smell a rat and settle for 12 tricks.  The lead is likely to be from a singleton.

NB:  Only three N/S Pairs reached a slam despite its relative ease.  It is a worthwhile exercise for any Pair to review the deal and analyse the correct bidding.

Quote:  I give you bitter pills in sugar coating.  The pills are harmless, the poison is in the sugar.  Stanislaw Lec

Grand Slam

The power of distribution can speak volumes which helps to explain why game or slam contracts can go begging.  This is an extreme example and even beats the famous James Bond "Moonraker" hand.  Just 5 points opposite opposite a 10 Yarborough and Hey Presto.

Deduce how declarer made 13 tricks on an obvious heart lead.

A 10 Yarborough personally occurs about 36 times every 10 000 deals.

Contract & Opening Lead

Board 17 was either a blessing or nightmare for E/W Pairs.  N/S could do little except defend whatever contract and then hope for the best - usual story!  E/W needed to reach a difficult game NT contract for a reasonable score or else 4 ♠ would generate a likely diamond lead from North given that it was the unbid suit.  It then enabled an immediate heart discard for a game over trick.  5 ♣ was a nemesis situation for E/W given that K ♣ was an offside singelton and no guarantee of a diamond lead to discard the losing heart.  5 ♣ -1 was a likely poor score despite the diagnostics stating a small slam was possible, yes, double dummy!

Some pairs reached NTs for a good score, many made eleven tricks in spades as a good effort whereas clubs, particularly a pre-empt from West, scored poorly.  That's Bridge!!

Quote:  Statistics are no substitute for judgement.  Henry Clay

Doubles

There is often confusion as to when a double is for take out or for penalties.  If partner has not bid then double is for take out.  It helps to get into bidding, particularly on a flat, balanced hand.  However, if partner has already bid then the double is for penalties.   The standard qualification for a penalty double is to have about 8 points which together with partner's 12 or 13 gives a balance of points in the deal.  Also, it is critical to have shortage in partner's suit as well as four of five trumps with at least one honour in the opposition's call.

Here, West doubled 1 ♠, a clear penalty call because partner had already bid 1 ♥.  

West led singleton heart and East won the Q ♥.  East switched to Q ♦ trapping declarer's K ♦.  Two further diamonds went to East's 10 and J ♦.  He then cashed A ♥, West throwing a club, then led a third heart which West trumped.  A club was returned to East's A ♣ who then led another heart for partner to ruff etc.

You get the continuing picture?  Eventually declarer was down four.  Note again the shortage in hearts by West and the useful length in the trump suit behind declarer.  Many pairs would not see this advantageous situation for a penalty double.

Quote:  The specialist is a man who fears the other subjects.  Martin H Fisher

Lead to Queen, Jack

Hand 18 highlights an opportunity easily missed.  A lead towards a suitable Q, J will always yield at least one trick 75% of the time. Most West players got a useful 2 ♠ opening lead in NTs so had enough time to lead twice towards Q, J ♣ .  Only when the missing A, K ♣ are badly placed will the contract fail.  Developing the club suit is crucial to success in this deal.  Five players made nine tricks.

This approach often occurs in contracts thus producing a much necessary extra trick not available elsewhere.

Quote:  Timing, degree and conviction are the three wise men in this life.  R I Fitzhenry

Play Safe, Play Probabilities

The above hand is apochryphal but its technique frequently arises in both Pairs and Rubber deals.  What is the best play for West making 4 ♠ ?  The suit fit is commonly termed a "Moysian Fit" because of the 4-3 split. 

Opponents open A, K ♦ and switch to a heart.  There is nothing to ruff and nothing to establish.  Trumps must be drawn quickly.

Good Signalling

The given hand is a favorite.  It was played in the early eighties and used as a textbook piece of instruction in communications.  N/S reasonably reached 4 ♠ but E/W can defeat it via two clubs and two heart tricks.  It did not happen.  East played A, K ♣ with West responding high-low then immediately attempted a ruff or possible trump promotion.  Declarer ruffed high West discarding a small diamond.  Off the hook, South now proceeded to make the contract via a diamond finesse and clever crash of the opponents two A, K ♥ winners.

East should have switched.  After A, K ♣ the A ♥ should be tabled!  West responds with 9 ♥ to encourage a continuation.  Had West not held K ♥ then 2 ♥ would be played thus encouraging a third club from East.

Note just how thoughtful play gives two chances to sink the contract.  If anyone would like to know how declarer eventually succeeded against "impossible" odds, given East's mistake, I will happily supply the explanation. 

Quote:  The most important of my discoveries have been suggested to me by my failures.  Sir Humphrey Davy

Counting the Hand

Many declarers landed as West in 1 NT and received the correct opening lead of ♦ 10.  On winning with the ♦ Q declarer had a nasty decision on a very tricky deal.  This sometimes occurs when playing a weak NT.  Two strategies for West looked feasible for a reasonable score which does not necessarily imply making the contract:

 i)  play towards the club suit in dummy and thereby have enough time to elevate a club trick which was probable since South opened with a "pass"

ii)  cash ♥ A, K then play towards the ♥ J hoping to make a heart extra and in particular if the ♥ Q fell in two rounds - probability of the latter being about 18%

Which is the correct pairs play for West? 

Duck a Trick

The idea of ducking a trick is to disrupt communications between the opponents as well as enhancing one's own position.  On this deal from Tuesday South reached 2 ♠ and received an obvious Q ♥ lead.  A trump would have been better although perhaps a double dummy suggestion.

Duck the opening lead and win the presumed continuation with the A ♥ thus enhancing communications with dummy.  Now lead a club for subsequent ruffs in dummy.  Careful play can now produce 8 tricks and the contract as the diagnostics indicate.  However, try to make 8 tricks if the opening heart lead is immediately won with the Ace and a club played to gain ruffing purposes.  There is no safe way back to hand.  South ends up with the lead in the wrong hand.  The same looks likely, or inevitable, if West can open with a trump and opponents continue with another as soon as the lead is again reached by E/W.  Try it.

Quote:  Time and tide waits for none.  Geoffrey Chaucer

Level of Fit

It generally pays to practice what one preaches!  When South opens with a weak 2 ♥ then partner should add the six cards in hearts from South to four in one's own hand which gives ten potential trumps.  North then bids for ten tricks in hearts, namely 4 ♥ .  I made a very poor response of only 3 ♥ which enabled East to barge in with 3 ♠ .  Had I called at the proper level East would have had a hard task bidding blind with 4 ♠ .  Too late, the pre-emptive damage in hearts was wasted so East got a very good result.

Weak Twos can be deadly but the process has to be exacting.

Quote:  Grace is given of God but knowledge is bought in the market.  Arthur H Clough (no relation to late Brian)

Opening Dilemma

On Tuesday East had a nasty choice of openings in and around the heart suit.  On hand 18 the majority of points was in a short suit (clubs) never a good proposition. 

A preemptive 3 ♥ was a bit dubious given the moth eaten structure of the trumps.  There was not enough steam in the suit to control trumps and develop elsewhere.  The only small advantage was a very favorable N-V status.

An opening 1 ♥ was possible since one normally adds 3 points for a void.  This could produce problems if a poor fit with partner exists, as was the case.  Here west could easily be misled.

Pairs playing "Weak Twos" would probably be best positioned for an opening 2 ♥ .  I did check this with some documentation.  The fact that there is an extra heart when normally one bids it on six trumps not seven is largely circumstantial but a bit of extra insurance.  Partner might leave this bid or overcall 2 ♠ which should then be passed.

Quote:  A child educated only at school is an uneducated child.  George Santayana

Bibliography:  "Bridge Lessons, Weak Two", Andrew Robson

Bid to Level of Trump Holding

The result stats will tell you that east can make 4 ♦ but difficult to achieve.  South overcalls 1 ♠ showing at least 7 points and, crucially, a five card suit.  West applies the Losing Trick Count, assuming that partner had a 7 loser hand, and replies 3 ♦ .  North overcalls 3 ♠ knowing that the partnership holds nine spades.  East is now on the spot because with a six loser hand 4 ♦ is rather double dummy although makeable.  E/W have pushed hard!

This hand is instructive because E/W have the LTC facility and N/S have nine spades.  I would recommend a perusal of either Robson's appropriate booklets or Paul Mendelson's, "Control the Bidding".  The latter book is all about butting into the bidding.

Quote:  Success?  The world belongs to the enthusiast who keeps cool.  William McFee

Slam Control

This slam was played in the early sixties.  West reached 6 ♥ although clubs would have been a safer contract.  Bidding was not supplied.  North led 2 ♦.  How should west plan the play?

Perception & Reality

Sometimes the above characteristics are one and the same or perhaps one is an extrapolation of the other.  This deal was played in the early sixties then subsequently chosen for the message it portrayed in the pusuit of correct analysis.

West reached 6 ♥ and got the A ♥ lead followed by a switch to Q ♣.  As declarer, what is the best approach for success to the contract?  Bidding and N/S hands were not supplied.  

Favourable Vulnerability

Whenever non vulnerable against vulnerable opponents opportunities can exist for profitable sacrifices.  E/W had an easy 4 ♠ with a score of 620 and not difficult to assess from the bidding.  N/S should have butted into the bidding with a heart call and as a result easily discerned that a sacrifice in 5 ♥ doubled would probably go about three off for a score of minus 500.

Always remember that when a high level sacrifice is made the pair on the receiving end have a dilemma, whether to bid one more or double the opposition.  Frequently this can go wrong.  On the night few pairs took advantage of the vulnerability status.

Another important point is that although it can be dangerous to butt into the bidding, at pairs it can be even more dangerous to stay out!

Quote:  The sinning is the best part of repentance.  Arab proverb.

Distribution

A moderate GS needs about 37 points.  A skewed distribution requires fewer pictures provided controls are present.  The "Moonraker" hand in which Bond makes 7 ♣ holding just six points opposite a yarborough is well documented.  Bond ruthlessly exposes a cheat.  This five point submission is the absolute minimum for success.  Observe the bidding, taken with a salt cellar, then go for 13 tricks.  Opening lead is ♥ A.

NB:  A "Yarborough" contains a card no higher than a 9.  This happens once every 1828 hands.

The moral of this story is that one must not be a slave to point counts. 

Weak No Trump

It sometimes happens as with Deal 26 on Tuesday that an opening 1 NT is doubled.  Partner tables very few points so the contract is obviously going down heavily, or is it?  Two off doubled was a common result conceding 500 points.  East did not panic.  First of all, in this situation there is a good chance that N/S have missed a game.  Secondly, this must be a frequent field occurence since a Weak NT is very commonly used in Pairs contests.  Remember that the result is not about plus points but commonality of result.  N/S did miss a game so a score of 33% was not a disaster.   Study the traveller.  1NT was passed out at most tables, some pairs being doubled but this was cheaper than a vulnerable game the other way.

Quote:  Nothing in life is to be feared.  It is only to be understood.  Marie Curie

Correct Opening Lead

Whenever there is a good opening lead to have a look at dummy then it should be used.  Here, North (myself) doubled the oppostion contract since it seemed a bit too high thus pinching a valid N/S one.  Since partner South had called diamonds then it seemed logical to initially lead the suit.  Alas, West ruffed and proceeded to make the doubled contract.  North had a perfect A ♣ lead to have a look at dummy.  That should have induced a second lead of K ♣ then a third one of a diamond to partner's suit.  This would have put the diamond contract one down, the difference between a TOP and a BOTTOM!

The moral here is that a good, safe opening lead should always be strongly considered rather than automatically leading partner's suit.

Quote 1:  A fool sees not the same tree as a wise man sees.  William Blake

Quote 2:  People only see what they are prepared to see.  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Control of Destiny

West led ♥ 4 against 3 NT.  E/W hands not shown.  South studied the hands and immediately realised that the contract was off to a very good start since many declarers would have got a spade lead.  In the latter case South would have to bring in the clubs without loss for ten tricks.  Here, South had the chance of an extra trick in diamonds and if clubs did not break then other declarers would not make nine tricks.  This South won the heart lead in dummy and led a small club from the table.  The assumption was that West had led from length in hearts therefore East was likely to have club length.  The clubs came home and a diamond was forced for a virtual TOP of eleven tricks.

The point here is that South was able to take good control of the options available and therefore stay ahead of the field.

A second consideration is that serious safety plays in Pairs are usually ruled out since the quest is for maximum tricks.  A 4-0 break in clubs is highly unlikely.

Quote:  Believe not your own brother - believe instead your own blind eye.  Russian Proverb

Weak Two Strategy, Tactics & Style

Weak Twos, if correctly delivered, can cause havoc for the opposition.  The opening has a pre-emptive value and partner should up this barrage on a weak hand with trump support or bid the game with a good hand.  The opposition is at a severe disadvantage.  Overcalls could cause a bad result if the barrage was based on a good hand or miss a potential game if the barrage was simply a ruse.

Here, West opened a weak 2 ♥ leaving north whether to overcall in spades or diamonds or wrongly, pass.  East upped to 4 ♥ so South had to decide whether to contine with partner's call or pass.  It was not altogether clear what sort of quality was in East's hand.    Just think, North and South had to make potential decisions that could easily go wrong.  Perhaps a little easier for South on a weak hand but the principal remains.  This is the strategic power of Weak Twos.

Quote:  Style is a simple way of saying complicated things.  Jean Cocteau

Grand Slam

Deal 15 was a laydown 13 tricks for N/S in either diamonds or NTs yet only one pair managed 7 ♦ .  Four pairs did not even get into a six level contract.  South should open with a strong two and get a very positive response from North.  This should galvanise South into any version of Blackwood resulting in the grand slam.  Diamonds is obviously easier than NTs.  If the pairing plays three weak suits then South should open 2 ♣ which indicates 23 points or a game going hand in its own right.  The opposition should be apprised of the alternative to 23 points.

There is a negative psychology in slam bidding which suggests that when a safe small slam is there don't risk the extra trick.  The only rule here is that a grand slam should have about a 70% chance of success.  Bidding should give this rough estimate.  Always remember too that in Pairs a high profile contract is as valid as a lowly 1 NT.  Slam logic applies to any form of bridge.  Look at it as the thrill of big game hunting.

Quote:  If I have seen farther it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.  Isaac Newton

Unconventional Stayman

N/S played a 15-17 NT range.  South called 2 ♣ without the faintest intention of finding a 4-4 major fit.  If North had hearts then a small NT slam was possible.

It is not illegal but highly unusual to use a convention in this way.  Once hearts were called then a jump to 4 ♦ showed a potential slam interest since 3 NT had been deliberately bypassed.  4 ♠ assumed the 4-4 fit as per Stayman.  South initiated RKCB on a spade suit understanding.  5 ♥ as a reply gave South enough confidence to pot 6 NT.  This was not a bad assumption giving at least 15 points in North's hand.

East led ♣ Q won by the ♣ A and a spade immediately ducked to rectify the count.  South now had a spade threat over West and a club one over East.  Ultimately drilling the diamonds forced the opponent with four hearts to either disgorge a club or a spade to effect the contract.

Note that 7 ♦ would achieve the same result since a club could be ruffed.  However, not too easy to find given that pairs tend to punt the major suits or NTs.

Quote:  Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!  Sir Walter Scott

Straight to Level of Fit

An overcall always guarantees at least five of the suit with some quality in it since partner should, on opening, lead that suit.  On less than 10 points responder should immediately bump (mini barrage)  to level of fit.  A half way measure is no good because it allows opening partnership bidding space to establish a correct contract.

Here, North bumped immediately to 3 ♠ which forced East to call 4 ♣ given the quality of the hand.  This drifted one off since North could overruff dummy in diamonds.  Had North gone a weak kneed 2 ♠ allowing a natural 3 ♣  then 3 ♠ could have been doubled bby West and down three.

Always get your blow in first and then await developments.  If nothing else then partner has a safe opening lead.

Quote:  An excess of law inescapably weakens the rule of law.  Laurence H Tribe 

Level of Fit

When defending, a good backstop is to bid to the level of fit which means the number of cards in the suit held by the opposition.  Here on Deal 16 North overcalled with a weak 2 ♠ so South, knowing of the six card suit, added his own three spades to get nine in total and therefore bid a "safe" 3 ♠ .  At this point either play the contract for a possible small sacfifice or let E/W struggle in 4 ♣ .  This is a well known theme and the given deal is merely one example.  Put the theory under your belt and use it on an appropriate occasion.  Results if correctly used will be self evident.  Here, 3 ♠ would score above average and E/W would get a bottom if seduced into overcalling with 4 ♣ .

Quote:  Conscience is feeling bad when one does not feel worse.  Michael Frayn

Look Over & Overlook

South reached a good contract with a prospect of all thirteen tricks.  Just making the small slam would be a good score.  What is the best method after West led ♠ A, East followed with ♠ 4 and declarer ruffed with ♦ 2?

1. Grand Slam
2. Deal 19 put South into the driving seat where 7 ♦, 7 ♠ or 7 NTs were laydown contracts.  Only three pairs managed the G Slam in diamonds.  North had a void in diamonds which did not make it easy for straight Blackwood or any other version of the convention since there was a missing K ♦ affecting N/S judgement.  Which two Kings did N/S have?  Regardless of N/S or E/W have a look at the hand and as a pairing deduce how to bid for 13 tricks.  Cue bidding and RKCB are useful assets which a pair should perhaps adopt as part of their overall system.
3. Quote:  Art is I, science is we.  Claude Bernard

Intra-Finesse

First note that South overcalls 1 NT on 11 - 16 points being fourth in hand, maintaining the protective position.

On ♠ A lead declarer had 8 top tricks and the ninth could only come from hearts.  There was a little bit of detail in that West from the opening bid obviously had length and strength in the heart suit.  How to put this information to good use?  Study for a moment then open the E/W hands.

West switched to ♦ Q at trick two.  Declarer won in dummy and immediately led ♥ 3 to 4, 8 and ♥ J.  This was the first stage of an "Intra-Finesse" through East.  ♦ J was returned to ♦ A and ♥ K cashed.  This crucially crashed the ♥ 10 in East's hand thereby setting up a genuine heart finesse of ♥ A, 9 over West's ♥ Q, 7.  Four further clubs gave declarer a well earned nine tricks.

Be honest, unlike South would you have seen this play at the table?  High intermediate cards, in this case ♥ 8, 9 in opposite hands, proved crucial to success.  World Brazilian champion Gabriel Chagas first documented this ploy of successive finesses against opposite opponents.  It used good spot cards to their fullest effect.   Study the position and then put the ploy under your belt.  It can rescue doomed contracts.

Quote:  Survival is triumph enough.  Harry Crews

Game in a Minor Suit

Hand 12 was interesting in that 5 ♣ was a relatively easy target but not called - why?  When North opens 1 ♣ then South's appreciation should be a raise to 3 ♣ .  The point count is marginally light but the singleton has enormous ruffing power.  Since the field last night reached only 2 ♣ it looks as if South simply called a weak raise to 2 ♣ so that North saw little value in continuing.  Distribution is always important in assessing the trick potential of a hand.  A simple point count distorts the real values of a combined contract.  Don't forget that a declarer only needs 10 points to effect a lay down grand slam on the correct distribution!

Quote:  Human kind cannot bear very much reality.  TS Eliot  (He obviously preferred "CATS"!)

Grand Slam

Hand 6 involved a laydown grand slam yet only a small one was the general field average.  Superficially, I suspect that many pairs reckon a grand is there but are wary of losing a small slam bonus.  Techniques such as jump bidding to partner's opening salvo, opener calling a second suite just to see what is next from partner and finally a version of Blackwood.  On this occasion any type of Blackwood would have done but it is worth learning "Roman Key Card Blackwood".  5 ♥ shows two aces without Queen of trumps and 5 ♠ shows two aces with it.  Have a look at a simple version of reaching 7 ♥ using ordinary Blackwood and a club bid waiting to see what partner replies. 

Quote:  Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?  Robert Browning  

Patience & Concentration

It was probably not much help for East to know that a complete "Yarborough" occurs once in every 1828 deals.  However, he stuck to the task and helped sink the field contract.  West started with the natural ♥ A and East played an encouraging ♥ 8.  He did not want a suit switch into the jaws of declarer.  West continued with the ♥ K and ♥ 3 allowing declarer to win, surprisingly.  South now wanted to lead spades twice from dummy to catch an onside ♠ A.  A club went to ♣ K and a spade led which West won with ♠ A overtaking ♠ J.  Trusting partner for his initial heart signal West now led the fourth heart which East trumped with ♠ 9 and over trumped by South.  This achieved a trump promotion for the defence since West now had a trump tenace over declarer.

The moral is obvious, don't just expect to follow low thirteen times.

Quote:  A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.  Dutch Proverb

Transfer System

Board 7 last night was a useful application of the X-fer system.  It is not solely used as an alternative to a weak takeout after a 12-14 NT opening.  North opens 1 NT and South transfers partner into spades.  South then calls 2 NT showing a 5-3-3-2 distribution and 11-12 points.  North can now decide on a spade or NT contract and game or lower depending on whether there are 25 points between the partners. 

Twenty-five points tends to make game about 50% of the time.  Here, North with 13 points and poor intermediate cards (nines and tens) reckons that game is low probability so signs off.  Different story had it been 14 points.  "2 NT or 3 spades +1 would be slightly above par.

Note that South would have called 3 NT with 13-14 points and 5-3-3-2 cards.

Quote:  Art is "I".  Science is "we".  Claude Bernard   

Opening Lead

Here is a lesson from Andrew Robson, among many, where the choice of opening is crucial to the contract.  Robson was part of a challenge team playing natural bridge where bidding conventions were banned.  A USA team played open house and the question was, "Which is better, naturalist or scientific?"  Robson subsequently admitted that his team's loss was due more to inferior play than any arts versus science arguement.  The occasion was 1992 and the match venue in London.  Here is one example of why USA got a swing.

Eric Rodwell was one half the USA team labelled "The Killing Machine" by Zia Mahmood.  He was also an accomplished musician so presumably was accustomed to facing the music across the bridge table!  Here, the bidding was virtually the same in both rooms.  The naturalist, hopefully not a naturist, led the obvious ♥ Q so declarer promptly ran for nine tricks.  Rodwell used his precious ♦ A to get a free look at dummy and observe the signal from partner.  Meckstroth, the other half of Zia's title, encouraged by playing ♦ 7, the highest available.  Rodwell then played the King followed by Jack and overtaken by East's Queen.  Two more spot card diamonds put declarer one down.

It is a good pairs lesson when holding A, K and on lead.  Lead the Ace and watch partner's signal for a continuation.  High then continue, low then switch.  Team work is allied to better bridge. 

Quote:  Nine-tenths of wisdom consists of being wise in time.  Theodore Roosevelt

Informatory Double

This is well known.  Second person doubles the opening bid asking partner to call one of the three remaining suits.  Easily forgotten is that it can be extended to third and fourth person.  On this deal (18) first and third persons called a suit and the fourth member issued a takeout double.  Same logic but this time it implies an opening hand where partner is requested to bid one of the two unbid suits.  When opener called one of the two suits requested it meant that partner had a clear opening lead which kept the opposition to the proper field contract and result.  Have a look - and put it under your belt.  In my case the latter was easy because I had lost weight!  Always tune into the bidding.

E/W were not playing 4SF hence the elongated bidding.  Given that north implied clubs and spades but East then called spades a club lead from East was indicated.

Quote:  What the world needs is some "do give a damn" pills.  William Menninger

Pre-Emptive Blockbuster

East on Hand 10 was rich in clubs and nothing else.  It is the perfect time for a maximum pre-empt given that the opposition almost certainly have a major suit contract.  Reflect that there are only three major suit cards in the hand which leaves twenty-three amongst the other three participants.  Bearing in mind the vulnerability East should come in with 4 ♣ then leave the rest to partner should the barrage wish to be increased.  The basic rule is to put up then shut up!  N/S are now stymied.  The analysis shows that a game in either major suit is available for N/S particularly in hearts.  Too many players do not pre-empt at the proper level then, after letting in the opponents, up the bidding but too late for the proper effect.

Quote:  I beseech you in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.  Oliver Cromwell 

Choice of Plays

South punted for a reasonable game in spades and received an opening salvo of two top hearts then ♣ J.  What is the best chance to make the contract? 

Long diamonds look an obvious source of exploitation but how to play for the fifth established diamond?

Count Trumps

West, at opening lead, knew that declarer was 5-5 in the majors therefore short in clubs.  North's 2 NT response seemed to indicate two spades therefore partner had four trumps so declarer could be forced, or at least given a hard time, if two clubs had to be ruffed in the long hand. 

West led A ♣ followed by K ♣ .  South ruffed and played K ♥ followed by Q ♥ won by A ♥ .  Rather than lead another heart for east to ruff (East played high-low) West played 10 ♣ overtaken by J ♣ and declarer was stumped unless spades broke 3-3 which was never going to happen.

Effectively two down because South had lost trump control.  East trumped J ♥ and continued with clubs.  A good defence in partnership and based upon a careful analysis of the bidding.

Any comments about declarer?  4 ♠ was a reasonable contract. 

Level of Fit

Hand 12 is a continuation of last week's theme.  In opposition always bid to the level of cards held between the partnership.

North overcalls 1 ♠, guaranteeing at least 5 cards.  South now knows that adding spades to the already five mentioned gives nine cards in the suit hence 3 ♠.  This becomes the declared contract.  

Note that an overcall needs 7 points to bid but the 9,10 ♠ is worth a point and the spade suit is all important in pairs.  E/W can make 3 ♦ or 5 ♣ but N/S have made it difficult to reach the par contract.

Quote:  Whatever limits us we call "Fate".  Ralph Waldo Emerson