Hand of the Week -Board 5 Tuesday March 28 th 2023

Despite having 27 points between them, E/W can only make game in 3NT played by West.
Several Easts opened a weak 2D. Although East has 6 diamonds and 5 points this is a very
risky bid with such a weak diamond suit. If East does bid 2D, West should respond with 3NT.
They have 8 diamonds between them but it is usually easier to make 9 tricks than 11!
If the deal is passed round to West, he should open 2NT. Despite having two doubletons, he
needs very little from partner to make 3NT and wants to encourage his partner to respond
by showing the strength of his hand. After 2NT, East should just go to 3NT and hope the long
diamonds can be established as he has an entry with the AH. East’s 3NT bid indicates that
they have at least 25 points but does not promise a balanced hand. One West converted 3NT
to 4S which East had to leave. There is no fit and the bad split means West can only make 8
tricks.
If West doesn’t open 2NT, the only alternative is 1S, which was passed out on the night. It
makes but results in a poor score.
Against 3NT North led a small spade, won by West’s 9. West forces out the KS and makes a
total of three tricks in the suit. He also has three club tricks and two heart tricks. The spade
and club splits mean his only hope for a ninth trick is that the diamond finesse works. Luck is
with him!