The bidding is straightforward with this deal. Because of possible confusion it is better for West to open 1D, being prepared to jump in clubs as a rebid; however when East bids 1S over North’s overcall of 1H, showing an above minimum hand and almost certainly 5 spades, the picture changes. West has 17 points which is enough to jump to 3S over South’s 2H bid, even though the singleton heart King is probably a lost three points. East has enough strength to continue on to game.

Providing that the play of the hand is careful 11 tricks should be made, but rushing into a successful finesse of trumps and drawing three rounds of trumps should ensure that you go down when the opponents get in with a club and take three heart tricks.

Careful play does not draw the last trump until clubs are established so that you are not vulnerable to the heart suit.

 ¹ Most people play that 1C can be short

Results

1SE+2; 4SE -1; 4SE =; 4SE +1

N-S 1^st J Tagg & E Jurgensen…….58.3% 

        2^nd K  Tyndall & E Rodrigues..47.2%

      =2^nd R Wood & D Ellender……47.2%

     =2^nd L Stephens & S Shaw…….47.2%

E-W 1^st L Kolesky & G Dempers….52.8%

        2^nd  Dianne & David Long……52.1%