Commentary by for the European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009

Board 2. N/S Vul. Dealer East. 1. Love All. Dealer North. [ A Q 3 [ Q ] K Q 8 7 5 ] K J 9 6 { Q 10 7 { J 10 9 6 } K 5 } 10 8 6 5 [ J 10 9 7 5 [ 8 6 4 2 [ 8 7 2 [ A 9 6 4 ] 9 4 ] A 3 ] A 3 2 ] 10 8 7 4 { K 8 6 4 { J 9 5 { A K Q 5 4 { 7 } J 3 } Q 10 8 7 } A K } Q J 7 2 [ K [ K J 10 5 3 ] J 10 6 2 ] Q 5 { A 3 2 { 8 3 2 } A 9 6 4 2 } 9 4 3 With hearts 2-2 there should be no difficulty in This looks like a straightforward deal, but there taking 12 tricks, so the only real question is how are a several points of interest that will determine many pairs are going to bid a slam? who walks off with the matchpoints. After 1}-1]-2] North is perhaps too good to Apart from a few situations where East opens with simply jump to 4] and might try to temporise some gadget that shows both majors, or South with 2[. That will probably see South jump to 4] tries something in third position West will be able and if North now makes one more move with 5} to open 2NT or the equivalent. South has enough to drive to the slam. However, Now East will look for a fit but sign off this is hardly the most convincing auction in the in 3NT as soon as one does not come to light. world, so it will be a major achievement for all those pairs who do reach 6]. If South does open with 2[ West will double and East just about has enough for a values showing Of course, if South is wearing rose coloured 3} or 3] (assuming 2NT would be ). glasses and rebids 3] a slam should be a certainty. Now West tries 3[ and East bids 3NT. On a low spade lead East simply ducks the queen and may Board 3. E/W Vul. Dealer South. well come to ten tricks, even if North finds the [ 7 3 most testing defence of a low heart switch. (East ] Q 10 must put in the seven, take the queen with the ace { A Q 9 8 7 and play back a heart.) } Q J 5 3 [ 10 8 2 [ K J 4 If South has opened a weak 2[ North might find ] A K J 8 7 ] 5 4 the best lead of the [Q and if declarer ducks, { 10 2 { K 6 5 South should overtake and play a second top } 8 7 2 } A K 10 6 4 spade with the idea of removing the ace of spades [ A Q 9 6 5 from the dummy, even at the cost of a spade trick ] 9 6 3 2 – not so easy to do! If Declarer ducks for a second { J 4 3 time then South can either play a third spade or } 9 more likely a heart, and in either case declarer should not emerge with more than nine tricks. This deal could see the auction take a few twist sand turns. If South and West pass – and these On other leads declarer can unblock the clubs and days that can’t be taken for granted – North will must come to ten tricks, making the two major probably try 1{. If East passes, South bids 1[ and suit aces and four tricks in each minor. then gives preference to diamonds over North’s 2}. That should end the auction unless West sticks his neck out with a pre 2]. 2{ should make on the nose whatever the defenders try. If West does find that remarkable 2] bid then that should end proceedings. North is likely to lead a spade and that should see the defenders score a Board 5. N/S Vul. Dealer North. . However, provided declarer then negotiates [ K J 5 the club suit for no losers he will get home, even ] 8 6 though South will usually score a club ruff. { K 7 6 5 The dangerous defence is for South to switch to a } A K 7 2 club at trick two. But if declarer wins and simply [ A 6 3 [ Q 8 7 4 cashes the ]AK South will find a vital trick has ] J 10 5 ] Q 9 3 2 gone to the opponents. { J 4 3 2 { Q 9 } Q 8 5 } 6 4 3 After North’s opening bid I’m sure a lot of players [ 10 9 2 will 2}. A sixth club would be nice, but ] A K 7 4 they will be hoping partner has a few assets and { A 10 8 that the pointed kings will be useful. } J 10 9 If South wants to get both his suits into the picture All roads will lead to 3NT by North. After a minor he will double. Now if West introduces his hearts suit opening South will respond 1] and then raise and plays in 2] he might go wrong in trumps, North’s 1NT rebid to game either directly or via playing South for the queen. some range enquiry. If North starts with a weak no South might simply raise to game A typical matchpoint deal, where any plus score (usually a sound idea with a ) or has to be good news. get there via Stayman. Board 4. Game All. Dealer West. Let’s see what happens if East decides to lead a [ K 4 3 major. On a spade lead West takes the ace and ] 4 3 plays a second spade. East wins with the queen { K Q 6 4 3 and clears the suit. Now declarer can play a } 4 3 2 diamond and when East produces the nine playing [ Q 9 8 [ J 10 7 6 the ten is best, offering a 63% chance of three ] 9 8 7 2 ] 10 6 tricks. With the club queen onside declarer will { 9 7 2 { J 10 5 emerge with +630. } Q 10 6 } A J 8 5 [ A 5 2 On a heart lead declarer wins in dummy and runs ] A K Q J 5 the jack of clubs. Say West ducks that, but covers { A 8 the next club. Declarer wins and may elect to play } K 9 7 a diamond, putting in the ten as before. Now if West wins with the jack and switches to a low When South opens 2NT North will either raise to spade declarer can only score ten tricks by going 3NT or perhaps get there more slowly via a search up with the king. If he plays low East wins with for a 5-3 spade fit. With diamonds 3-3 everyone the queen and switches back to hearts. is going to collect 12 tricks. If West does not switch to a spade, simply If South decides his hand is too good for 2NT and carrying on with hearts, declarer must and opens with a game forcing 2} then North may win the next heart. He will not fancy playing a drive to a slam and find his luck is in. spade now, as that risks going down if East has the One small point – unless West happens to lead a [AQ and the master heart. club against a no trump contract then he must On a club lead declarer will be in control and can make sure he keeps all three spades while declarer even afford to get the spades wrong as he records is cashing is winners – otherwise East will be ten tricks. squeezed in the black suits for an expensive overtrick. Board 6. E/W Vul. Dealer East. [ J ] 10 8 6 4 2 { Q 9 7 2 } 7 6 4 [ K Q 9 7 2 [ 10 5 4 3 ] K J ] A { A 10 5 { J 6 4 3 } 10 9 2 } A Q 8 3 [ A 8 6 ] Q 9 7 5 3 { K 8 } K J 5

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 2 Whichever minor East opens South will overcall The simplest solution to East’s problem is to jump 1]. When West comes in with 1[ North will raise to 6NT, a contract that must have play. Admittedly hearts. East will not mind having to bid 2[ over it gives up any chance of playing in hearts, but at 2] and will be prepared to go to 3[ over 3]. matchpoints that may not be so serious. However, suppose North has bid 4]? East’s lack With the heart working there is no of values and the 4-1-4-4 shape argue in favour difficulty in making 12 tricks. Declarer would of a pass, but I doubt it will stop East going on to like to keep alive the possibility of making all 13 4[. but there is no completely safe way of doing so Does declare have any chances in 4[? and +1440 is going to be the optimum score. On the face of it there are four losers, one spade, Board 8. Love All. Dealer West. one diamond and two clubs but on a heart lead [ A K 5 3 declarer does have some chances. ] Q 9 6 After winning in dummy he attacks trumps. South { 5 2 will probably win the second round and play a } A K 9 5 third trump. Declarer wins in hand and cashes the [ 9 4 [ Q 10 8 king of hearts, discarding a club from dummy. ] A J 5 2 ] K 8 7 4 3 { A 10 8 6 3 { 9 Now the only winning line as the cards lie (and } 7 4 } J 10 6 3 this is by no means obvious) is to cash the ace of [ J 7 6 2 diamonds and then lead a low diamond. South ] 10 wins with the king but is endplayed. If he tries the { K Q J 7 4 effect of giving a ruff and discard declarer } Q 8 2 discards a club from hand, ruffs in dummy and plays a diamond, establishing the jack for another If North starts with a strong NT then South will club discard. locate the spade fit and then jump to 4[. This line appears to rely on South holding a If North opens 1} he will rebid spades after doubleton diamond honour, but it also works South’s response of 1{ and go on to game over when South starts with {KQx, regardless of the South’s likely jump to 3[. location of the king of clubs. If North opens 1[ then South will raise at once and again the spade game will be reached. Board 7. Game All. Dealer South. [ J 10 9 3 All that assumes that West will not open, but no ] K 9 7 5 doubt there will be some who venture 1{ on that { J 10 2 hand of power and quality. } 10 6 When North doubles East might wish he was [ A K 5 [ 8 7 4 2 using a convention that I used to play with Tony ] 8 6 ] A Q J 4 2 Forrester – the negative redouble – signifying a { A K 3 { Q 5 singleton or in partner’s suit. As it is, East will } A Q 5 4 3 } K 2 generally bid 1] and South will introduce spades. [ Q 6 Although West will raise hearts North/South are ] 10 3 able to outbid them and once again the { 9 8 7 6 4 predestined 4[ should be reached. } J 9 8 7 If North happens to be declarer in 4[ then East How difficult will it be for East/West to reach a will surely lead the singleton diamond even if slam on this deal? West has not opened. West wins with the ace and If West opens 2NT or the equivalent, East will returns the ten of diamonds for East to ruff. West generally bid 3{ as a transfer and then have to wins the indicated heart switch with the ace and find a continuation over 3]. One possibility plays a third diamond, promoting the setting would be to bid 3[, and although it will do no trump trick for East’s queen of spades. damage here I’m not sure it is a good idea to If South is declarer it will be much harder for introduce such a poor suit when you are in the West to find the essential lead of the ace of slam zone. diamonds. East might try a quantitative 4NT, but that is something of an underbid. Still, it should work, as although West is minimum in terms of high card points the wealth of controls and the five card suit argue in favour of a raise to 6NT.

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 3 A lot of players will consider the East hand too Board 9. E/W Vul. Dealer North. strong for an opening bid at the one level. If they [ 10 4 2 open 2} they will be able to make a game forcing ] 8 2 rebid of 3} over West’s response, but they will { K J 3 surely eventually end up in 5}. } Q 9 8 7 6 [ 7 6 3 [ J 9 8 The only remaining point is to mention is that any ] 9 6 5 ] 7 3 South players who risk a speculative double of 5} { 10 9 8 5 { A Q 7 4 2 will be disappointed. } A K 4 } J 5 3 Board 11. Love All. Dealer South. [ A K Q 5 [ 9 6 5 ] A K Q J 10 4 ] 4 { 6 { A K 5 4 2 } 10 2 } A Q 9 4 What is the best way to approach the terrific [ Q J 10 8 4 3 2 [ South hand? ] 8 6 3 2 ] A K 10 9 5 { { J 9 8 6 If you start with 1] you have to find a rebid over } 8 2 } 7 6 5 3 partner’s 1NT. A forcing 2[ is one possibility, but [ A K 7 you won’t achieve much by doing that and ] Q J 7 assuming you are happy to give up any idea of a { Q 10 7 3 slam a simple 4] is the obvious move. } K J 10 If you start with a stronger opening bid, say 2} or This may prove to be one of the toughest deals of an Two Bid, 4] is still likely to be the place the night. you come to rest. When South starts with a strong NT West may be I’ll mention that 3NT scores well if East leads a tempted to get in the way with a bid of 3[. If diamond, but a club lead and a diamond switch North decides to double that will surely end the (not an easy defence to find) should defeat even auction and the best North/South can achieve is 1NT. +300. With spades 3-3 declarer always makes ten tricks If North bids 4{ and South then bids 4[ North in hearts. will surely go on to the diamond slam that cannot Board 10. Game All. Dealer East. be defeated with East on lead. Indeed, it would not [ 10 8 5 4 surprise me if East tried a dramatic ]10 at trick ] J 10 4 one, handing declarer an overtrick. { K 8 7 5 If East leads a top heart he will probably switch to } 7 4 a club at trick two. Now the simplest line for [ Q 9 [ A K 6 declarer is to ruff a heart at trick three, then cash ] K 9 6 3 2 ] A the ace of diamonds, intending to claim if { 10 9 4 3 2 { A everyone follows. When the 4-0 split comes to } 10 } K J 9 8 6 5 3 2 light it is easy to pick up East’s trumps while [ J 7 3 2 ruffing a second heart along the way. ] Q 8 7 5 { Q J 6 Where South opens 1{ West’s 3[ will be even } A Q more awkward for North. (It is awkward for your commentator too!) North might jump to 5{, but The first question on this deal is will South double that feels like an underbid, although with South as if East opens 1}? declarer you don’t want to get any higher. With half one’s points in East’s suit I would say Double is a possibility. South might pass that, or not, but no doubt some players will risk it. maybe bid 3NT. In that case North could try 4{ If South passes West will respond 1]. What and then South’s 4[ will see the doomed slam should East rebid? The practical approach is to being reached. take a pot at 5} and that works out well with What North would like to do is bid a forcing 4{ West delivering two important black cards. over 3[, but that would not be the general If South does double the auction should proceed interpretation of the bid. along similar lines, perhaps with North bidding I should mention that if West happens to pass an 1[ along the way. opening bid from South life is still not that easy for North and I’m not at all sure a slam will be

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 4 reached. Those pairs who use inverted raises after Board 13. Game All. Dealer North. 1{ will be better placed than most. [ 10 3 As I said, a tough deal. ] 10 3 { K Q 10 5 Board 12. N/S Vul. Dealer West. } 10 8 6 5 4 [ A 4 [ Q J 8 7 6 [ K 2 ] 9 6 5 ] K 9 8 ] A Q J 7 6 4 { 10 7 4 2 { A J 7 { 6 2 } 10 9 6 2 } A J } K Q 7 [ 10 6 3 [ K 9 8 7 [ A 9 5 4 ] J 10 4 3 2 ] A K Q 7 ] 5 2 { J 5 { Q 8 { 9 8 4 3 } A J 5 } Q 8 7 } 9 3 2 [ Q J 5 2 East/West should get a free run here – how high ] 8 will they go? { A K 9 6 3 } K 4 3 After 1]-1[ I would rebid 3] with the East hand – a slight stretch perhaps, but the [K looks like a Where East opens 1NT South will usually have good card. some way of entering the auction, perhaps with 2{ to show spades and another suit, or 2[ to Now West is worth a of 4}. East can only show spades and a minor. bid 4] and West will surely feel that his hand warrants a further attempt and bid 5{. If North West will want to get his hearts into the game – doubles that East might pass and allow partner to easy enough after 1NT-(2{) but after 1NT-(2[) redouble to show a first round control, but the one way over would be to bid 3{ – a transfer to danger of a diamond lead is all too obvious and hearts promising at least invitational values. East should probably be content to sign off in 5]. Although East has terrific support for hearts the rest of his hand is nothing to write home about A diamond lead from either defender defeats 6], and I would be content with 3]. so my guess is that the only pairs likely to make a slam are those who abandon science and resort to When East opens 1] South has an obvious double the bludgeon rather than the rapier. and if West bids 3] that should end the auction. After 1]-1[-3]-6] South will have to find the If West upgrades his hand and bids 2NT over the diamond lead with rather less to go on. double then East will find himself in a hopeless game. Board 14. Love All. Dealer East. The play in 3] is interesting. [ Q 10 2 ] Q 9 2 If East is the declarer, say South cashes two { A J 3 diamonds and then switches to a spade, North } A J 5 3 taking the ace and returning the suit. Declarer [ K 8 5 4 [ 9 7 6 wins with the king, draws trumps and plays a club ] A 3 ] 10 7 6 4 to the jack. Now two rounds of trumps force South { Q 7 4 { K 10 9 8 5 to discard a spade and he can be thrown in to lead } Q 8 4 2 } 6 away from the king of clubs. [ A J 3 ] K J 8 5 The play might develop along similar lines if West { 6 2 is declarer, especially if North starts with the ace } K 10 9 7 of spades and a spade. In the six card ending, South, holding [QJ {AK }K4 will have no safe When South opens 1} North will probably bid a discard. direct 3NT. (I don’t agree with one learned tome which suggests that promises five card support for There is a winning defence, but I suspect only my clubs.) computer would find it. North must lead a low spade at trick 1! Then he retains the ace of spades If South opens a 12-14 NT North will again jump as an and the on South can be to 3NT. avoided. So much for the bidding. If North is declarer East will doubtless lead a diamond and declarer will have to duck twice. Although East has no obvious entry, he should

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 5 clear the diamonds, as this may make declarer If South happens to open with a weak 2] or a reluctant to finesse into his hand. Multi West bids spades. Now North will not be thinking in terms of 3NT, but he might consider Since the contact cannot be made if East has the the possibility of competing. Nine tricks are the ace of hearts, declarer may elect to attack that suit limit in hearts, ten in clubs. by playing a heart to the king. Say that West wins. He won’t want to switch to a club, so he must If South passes West opens 1[ and North either return a heart, or try a spade. On a heart 2}. Now South will try 2] and assuming West return declarer plays the nine, and has three tricks bids 2[ North’s 3} should end the auction. in the suit. He takes East’s ten with dummy’s jack, crosses to hand with a heart and takes the losing Board 16. E/W Vul. Dealer West. spade finesse. He wins the spade return and [ cashes his two remain major suit winners. ] 10 9 6 4 { A 6 5 2 He now knows 12 of East’s cards – 3 spades, 4 } K 10 5 3 2 hearts and 5 diamonds – and can finesse with [ A J 8 7 6 5 2 [ K 3 confidence against West’s }Q. ] K Q J 8 ] 7 5 2 If West finds the best defence of switching to a { 9 { 10 8 3 spade declarer should put up the queen. When } 9 } A Q 8 7 6 that holds declarer may well get the hearts right, [ Q 10 9 4 but even if he does not he still has the chance of ] A 3 four club tricks. { K Q J 7 4 } J 4 If South is declarer West will probably lead a black suit – a diamond leads to lines we have If the bidding starts 1[-1NT should South come in already considered. with 2{? A club is obviously fatal, but declarer should not On balance it seems right. It may help North to make more than nine tricks provided West finds a find the best lead, or pave the way for a good diamond switch as soon as he gets in. . On a spade lead declarer wins with dummy’s There is no scientific way to develop the West queen (possibly dropping a cunning jack from hand, and a simple rebid of 4[ looks logical hand) and forces out the ace of hearts. Even if enough. West does not fall for the ruse in the spade suit That will end matters if South has passed, but if declarer has a chance of ten tricks by guessing South has overcalled then North may well push on well in both hearts and clubs. to 5{. Board 15. N/S Vul. Dealer South. If East/West are of the Acol persuasion then East [ 2 will respond 2} to the opening bid – might that ] 5 2 deter North from sacrificing later on? { A 10 9 5 5{ will only cost 300 and if East/West press on to } A K J 10 7 3 5[ that will be overboard – and probably doubled [ A Q J 9 6 3 [ 8 7 5 by South to add insult to injury. ] A 9 8 ] 6 4 3 { K 6 { Q 7 3 2 } Q 4 } 9 5 2 [ K 10 4 Board 17. Love All. Dealer North. ] K Q J 10 7 [ K 9 6 3 { J 8 4 ] Q J 7 3 2 } 8 6 { Q 8 4 } 4 A simple choice for South – pass or make some [ 8 5 [ A Q 10 7 sort of opening bid? ] A 9 ] K 8 6 If South opens 1] West has an easy overcall – 1[ { A 7 3 { 9 6 or 2[ according to system and taste and North } A Q J 9 5 3 } 10 8 7 6 will bid clubs at the appropriate level. Assuming [ J 4 2 South rebids his hearts North will probably bid ] 10 5 4 spades, asking South for a stopper. Unluckily for { K J 10 5 2 North there are only eight tricks available in NT } K 2 unless West does something strange. A few players will have some way of opening either the North or South hand (something promising the majors for North and a weak 2{ for

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 6 South) but for the majority West will be allowed Well, if 1} could still be short you are likely to to open 1}. North might double that, but perhaps prefer 1NT, but if you are confident 1} now it gives away too much information and the shows a five card suit it works better to give sounder approach is to pass. When East responds preference to clubs. 1[ West is worth 3} and East might settle for Seven tricks should be the limit in NT but with 3NT. careful play declarer can make ten in clubs. The With both black suit working there secret is to play to ruff hearts in hand and at least should be eleven tricks in NT – but there are two spades in dummy. twelve in clubs. Any East who raises 3} to 4} (that’s forcing in Acol) might find West pressing Board 20. Game All. Dealer West. on to the lucky slam. [ K 10 7 3 2 ] 5 2 I daresay a few imaginative souls will open the { K J 6 5 West hand 1NT which will see 3NT reached via } 7 5 Stayman. [ 9 [ 4 If South does open 2{ then after West’s 3} ] 9 8 7 4 ] A Q J 10 6 overcall East will probably try 3{, which again { 8 2 { A Q 10 7 leads to 3NT. } K Q J 9 4 3 } 10 8 6 [ A Q J 8 6 5 Board 18. N/S Vul. Dealer East. ] K 3 [ 8 3 { 9 4 3 ] A J 9 4 } A 2 { 10 8 3 2 I would not condemn anyone who decided to open } A K 5 the West hand 3}, but you are a club short for a [ 9 2 [ A J 10 7 6 5 classical pre-empt and you do have a four card ] K 7 6 5 ] 10 8 3 major on the side. It’s not as if the vulnerability is { A 7 4 { Q 6 in your favour either. } J 10 7 4 } Q 2 [ K Q 4 Let’s say West and North pass (yes, I know some ] Q 2 North’s will do something). East opens 1] and { K J 9 5 South overcalls, either 1[ or an ‘intermediate’ 2[ } 9 8 6 3 (if you are looking for a way to describe an intermediate jump overcall, the phrase ‘a hand If East opens 2[ West will pass and North reopens that would have opened 1[ and rebid 2[’ might with a double. For my money South should now fit the bill). bid 3NT. Once East has bid hearts West will have various If East opens with a Multi 2{ West might try a options – a raise in hearts or a fit jump in clubs. ‘pass or correct’ 2[. Now North needs to be able to double for takeout of spades, otherwise 2[ is Either way North is sure to support spades, but likely to be the final contract. although East/West can make ten tricks in hearts North/South will have no such luck in spades. The cards lie well for declarer in 3NT and it should be a simple affair to come to nine tricks. With perfect defence East/West can hold South to eight tricks in spades – diamond lead to the ten, Board 19. E/W Vul. Dealer South. club switch etc, but how likely is that? [ 10 ] A J 9 5 4 Only if East gets – and takes – a chance to bid { K J 7 2 diamonds. } 10 5 4 Board 21. N/S Vul. Dealer North. [ Q J 6 5 [ K 9 8 7 [ A K Q J 9 ] K Q 10 6 ] 7 3 2 ] J 2 { 10 5 { Q 8 4 3 { 7 4 2 } Q 6 2 } K J } A K 6 [ A 4 3 2 [ 8 7 [ 6 3 2 ] 8 ] K 9 8 6 3 ] A 10 7 4 { A 9 6 { K J { A Q 6 5 } A 9 8 7 3 } 10 5 4 2 } 8 7 After 1}-1]-1[ which do you prefer on the [ 10 5 4 North cards, 1NT or 2}? ] Q 5 { 10 9 8 3 } Q J 9 3

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 7 After 1[-1NT do you bid 2NT or 3NT on the If West opens 3{ North, facing a passed partner North hand? and with no source of tricks should resist any temptation to get involved. Neither figures to work out well, as East/West are likely to take at least the first eight tricks. If North does venture 3NT East has enough to double and on a heart lead 3NT will be a bloody If East happens to be on lead against a no trump affair, with declarer generally taking no more contract then I suppose on the lead of the ]4 West than five tricks. might play his partner to have led from ]J1074 and put in the eight, but it’s not a logical play, as If the final contract is 3{ North has an awkward with ]Ax declarer would surely have gone up lead, but in any event the cards lie so well for with dummy’s queen hoping East had led away declarer that nine tricks should always be made. from the ]K. Board 24. Love All. Dealer West. If South is facing a five card spade suit a raise to [ K 7 2 2[ looks more natural. If North then tries a ] A K 5 4 somewhat conservative 2NT South will pass and at { 6 3 least North/South will be a level lower. } Q J 6 3 The only way North/South rate to score well on [ 6 5 [ 10 4 this deal will be when South passes the opening ] 10 2 ] Q 9 8 7 bid of 1[. { K Q 9 5 4 { A 7 2 } K 9 5 2 } A 10 8 7 Board 22. E/W Vul. Dealer East. [ A Q J 9 8 3 [ A J 10 ] J 6 3 ] K 5 { J 10 8 { J 10 8 5 2 } 4 } K 9 7 After 1}-1[-1NT South is worth an invitational [ 9 6 5 [ K Q 8 3 3[ (some may go via a relay of 2}/2{). ] J 10 9 7 4 ] A Q 3 { A 6 4 3 { Q If North opens a 12-14 NT South transfers and } 2 } A Q J 8 5 then bids an invitational 3[. [ 7 4 2 By the way, it would hardly be a major crime for ] 8 6 2 South to insist on game in spades, but it is more { K 9 7 speculative. } 10 6 4 3 Assuming South uses an invitational sequence, After 1}-1] East is worth a game forcing rebid of should North accept? 2[. West can do no more than rebid 3] and East’s 4] ends the auction. I suspect most players will – the [K must be golden and all the values are in the long suits. Declarer is not in any danger in 4], but it will take perfect timing to make twelve tricks. When When South is the declarer West has an easy lead North leads a diamond declarer must win and in diamonds and that should be enough for the play the jack of hearts. Say North covers. Now game to be defeated unless the defenders contrive declarer wins in dummy, cashes the ace of clubs, to make a mistake. ruffs a club and plays a spade. Assuming North ducks declarer returns to hand with a club ruff If North is the declarer you would hardly blame and plays another spade. East for leading a heart, but that presents declarer with a tenth trick. Board 23. Game All. Dealer South. [ K 5 4 3 Board 25. E/W Vul. Dealer North. ] A J [ K 7 4 3 { Q 9 8 2 ] K 10 5 4 } A Q 9 { Q [ Q 8 2 [ A 9 7 } A J 9 7 ] 9 ] K 10 6 4 3 [ 9 5 [ J 10 2 { A K 10 7 6 4 3 { J ] Q 7 3 ] J 6 2 } 8 6 } K J 7 3 { K J 9 3 2 { A 10 7 [ J 10 6 } K Q 6 } 10 8 4 3 ] Q 8 7 5 2 [ A Q 8 6 { 5 ] A 9 8 } 10 5 4 2 { 8 6 5 4 } 5 2

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 8 At the vast majority of tables the bidding will be a Not much easier is it? simple affair: 1}-1[-2[. Perhaps it will be the strong club pairs who These part score deals are often interesting play survive this test? problems, as declarer strives to make as many Their auction might start 1}-2{-2[-3] after tricks as possible. which South might press the accelerator. Say West leads a trump. Declarer has several options. Board 27. Love All. Dealer South. [ A K Q At first sight it may look as if declarer should play ] K 9 8 7 for diamond ruffs, but after a trump lead you will { Q J 10 9 3 never make more than nine tricks by following } 4 that plan. [ 3 2 [ J 10 9 4 Suppose instead he wins in hand and plays a club ] 10 5 2 ] Q J 6 4 to the nine, East winning with the ten and playing { K 8 2 { 7 another trump. Declarer wins in dummy, cashes } Q 10 9 6 2 } J 8 5 3 the ace of clubs and ruffs a club. Now the 3-3 [ 8 7 6 5 heart break gives him ten tricks. ] A 3 { A 6 5 4 Board 26. Game All. Dealer East. } A K 7 [ 10 8 When South opens 1NT North will certainly be ] J 8 7 4 3 thinking in terms of a possible slam. One { A K Q 9 3 2 approach will be to start with Stayman and then } introduce the diamond suit. Although South is [ 9 7 [ 6 5 4 3 minimum he does have wonderful controls and ] 10 6 ] A 9 5 four card diamond support, so the diamond slam { J 10 8 7 6 5 { 4 should be reached. } 10 9 2 } K Q 6 5 3 [ A K Q J 2 Another method is for North to transfer to ] K Q 2 diamonds and when South shows a fit to push on { towards the slam. } A J 8 7 4 With no methods at all North might simply It is not inconceivable that a few enlightened souls respond 3{ and South will be delighted to co- will open the East hand 1}, but I’ll assume that operate. most of the time North/South have a free run. If South opens 1{ North might well resort to How should they bid? Blackwood before settling for 6{. The problem of what to open with five cards in When South opens 1[ and North responds 2{ clubs and spades has been debated for years, with South is too good to risk a simple raise to 3{ no firm conclusion being reached. Both are (unless 2{ is game forcing). The solution for Acol perfectly acceptable. players is to rebid 2NT showing 15+. Then South Suppose South opens 1[. North responds 2{ and can support diamonds on the next round. South bids 3}. For most of the world 3} is game forcing, but there are a few diehards in Acol land Board 28. N/S Vul. Dealer West. who would allow North to rebid a non forcing 3{. [ A 8 4 2 I’m not one of them. ] 8 { J 7 3 What should North do over 3}? } K 10 9 7 3 If he bids 3{ South is going to bid 3NT – hard to [ K 5 [ Q 10 3 see North going on over that. ] K 7 2 ] Q J 10 6 4 { K 10 5 { 8 4 2 If he bids a fourth suit 3] South again bids 3NT } A Q 8 6 4 } 5 2 and unless North then bids 4] the slam that [ J 9 7 6 depends on little more than a 3-2 trump break ] A 9 5 3 will be missed. (Even that assumes that South will { A Q 9 6 read 4] as a natural bid, which is far from clear.) } J Is it any better if South opens 1}? When West opens with a strong NT it will be a brave North who gets involved – but perhaps you Now the bidding proceeds: 1{-2[-3{. The should, as North/South can make nine tricks in opener would like to show the fifth spade, but that spades. might result in 3NT being bypassed.

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 9 If North passes East will transfer to hearts and 2] East has a classic 2[ opening (or a Multi) and will be the final contract. West has enough to go on to game. I would bid 4[, but no doubt some players will try 3NT. Defeating 2] is no easy matter. How should declarer tackle the play in 4[? North must avoid a club lead and on a diamond lead South must put in the queen. West will win If South leads the queen of diamonds declarer and play a heart but South wins and switches to should duck in dummy, otherwise he will lose the jack of clubs and no matter what declarer does three diamond tricks. If South continues with the he is virtually certain to be defeated. queen of diamonds declarer will score eleven tricks if he hazards the club finesse. I mentioned that North might just bid over 1NT (for me it would be 2{, spades and another) If North happens to be on lead – the auction might which will be fine unless partner takes you go 2{-4} (please transfer to your suit) – 4]-4[ – seriously and drives to game. then North might easily lead a club. Now declarer has some chances of an eleventh trick, but will If West opens 1} then North has nothing to say. need to read the cards extremely well, playing East responds 1] and will usually rebid 2] over North to hold the ace of diamonds being one of West’s rebid of 1NT. the essential elements. Since few players will record +450, those who Board 29. Game All. Dealer North. play in 3NT are likely to score well, as ten tricks [ 9 6 4 will usually be made (and again eleven are ] K Q possible with outstanding play). { A K 10 7 6 2 Board 31. N/S Vul. Dealer South. } J 9 [ Q 8 7 [ A Q 10 [ K 8 3 ] A Q J 10 ] A ] 10 9 7 5 4 { 10 8 6 3 { Q 8 4 3 { 5 } 9 2 } K Q 5 3 2 } A 10 8 6 [ A J 9 3 [ K 6 4 [ J 7 5 2 ] 9 8 5 3 ] 6 ] J 8 6 3 2 { J 9 4 { A 7 5 2 { J 9 } 10 8 } J 7 6 4 3 } 7 4 [ 10 5 2 When North opens 1{ many South’s will pass, ] K 7 4 2 leaving West with a problem. The natural action is { K Q to bid 2}, which should work well as East has an } A K Q 5 excellent hand in support of clubs. It should not After 1NT North will look for a major and be difficult for East/West to reach either 5} or North/South are sure to reach 4]. 3NT but I doubt many pairs will stretch to 6} which happens to make as the cards lie. If South opens 1] North will raise to two or three hearts according to taste and game is sure to be If South responds 1] West can still bid 2} and reached either way. East will raise, perhaps via a 2] cue bid. Even so, West is not going to be interested in more than Provided West avoids a diamond lead which gives game. declarer a vital , allowing him to set up an extra trick in diamonds, 4] may be defeated. Board 30. Love All. Dealer East. [ K 5 However there are a number of pitfalls to avoid, ] J 8 2 some significantly harder than others. For { A 9 8 7 example, suppose West leads the ten of clubs. } J 9 5 2 Declarer wins and plays a diamond to East’s ace. [ 9 8 [ A Q J 4 3 2 Now if East returns a club it must be the jack, ] A K 6 ] 10 4 3 otherwise declarer can run it to dummy’s nine. { K 5 3 { 10 4 2 (There is still some work to do, but declarer } A Q 10 7 6 } 3 should not go wrong once the 4-1 trump break [ 10 7 6 comes to light, simply playing winning clubs ] Q 9 7 5 through West will do thanks to the eventual fall of { Q J 6 the jack of diamonds. ) } K 8 4 On a trump lead declarer wins in dummy and must resist the temptation to play three rounds of clubs, instead playing a diamond. If East ducks

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 10 that declarer wins and plays back a diamond and the jack of hearts and then take another heart is in control. East must go in with the ace of finesse, scoring two spades, two hearts, one diamonds and switch to a low spade, enabling diamond and four clubs. West to win and play a second trump. Anyone who picks up an overtrick on this deal Not the most likely sequence of plays I’m sure you will be laughing all the way to the matchpoint will agree! bank. Board 32. E/W Vul. Dealer West. Board 34. N/S Vul. Dealer East. [ K 5 3 [ J 10 2 ] A Q 5 3 ] K 9 7 4 3 { 9 2 { K 6 2 } 10 7 4 3 } J 2 [ 7 [ A Q 10 6 4 [ 6 5 4 3 [ A K Q ] J 9 6 4 2 ] K 10 7 ] ] Q J 10 2 { K 8 5 3 { Q J 7 { A Q J 10 9 3 { 7 4 } Q J 2 } 8 6 } A 10 7 } K Q 9 8 [ J 9 8 2 [ 9 8 7 ] 8 ] A 8 6 5 { A 10 6 4 { 8 5 } A K 9 5 } 6 5 4 3 After East opens 1[ and West responds 1NT the After 1NT from East, West may be thinking in bidding will get back to South. For many pairs a terms of a slam provided East does not have too double now will ask partner to lead a spade, or at many wasted values in hearts. Even so, it is not least suggest playing for penalties. easy to construct an auction to 6{ – at least I don’t find it easy. Funnily enough, although I don’t think South’s hand warrants a double, the only way to defeat Perhaps it is easier if East opens 1]? 1NT is for West to be declarer and for North to West responds 2{ and then rebids 3{ over East’s lead a low spade. forcing 2NT. Does that look easier to you? Not That is not quite all there is to it. Assuming South exactly. wins with the jack and plays clubs, North must It seems to me that if a slam is going to be reached unblock the ten. Then South has to duck two then West is going to have to take charge and rounds of diamonds before winning, cashing the hope that partner does not have too much in master club and only then exiting with a major. hearts. That is perhaps easier to do after the strong However, this is not an everyday situation so if no trump opening. South does double North may decide to take it out. 2} is a comfortable spot (playing on cross ruff Board 35. E/W Vul. Dealer South. lines should produce nine tricks) but 2] does not [ J 4 3 play quite so well. ] 6 4 3 { J 4 2 Board 33. Love All. Dealer North. } K 8 5 2 [ 9 3 [ A 5 [ K Q 9 7 ] Q 4 ] J 10 9 7 ] A 8 { J 8 6 4 { 10 5 { K Q 8 7 6 3 } 10 9 8 4 2 } 10 9 7 6 4 } A [ K 5 [ A J 8 4 [ 10 8 6 2 ] A 10 9 7 5 ] J 2 ] K Q 5 2 { A 10 7 2 { 9 5 { A 9 } A 7 } K Q J 5 3 } Q J 3 [ Q 10 7 6 2 Even facing a potentially three card club suit I ] K 8 6 3 would drag up a raise to 2} on the North hand if { K Q 3 partner opened 1}. What can East do? } 6 You might double and then bid diamonds if Apart from a few Precision style pairs whose partner bids hearts, or simply bid 2{ hoping to methods dictate an opening bid of 1{ on the East get another chance. cards the auction is likely to be short and sweet: 1}-1]-1[-3NT. Either way you are unlikely to get to 3NT, a contract that always makes as long as you simply The 5-1 club break is annoying, but declarer play South for {A9, crossing to dummy with a should still get home easily enough. He can run

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 11 spade and running the ten of diamonds if North does not cover. (You could play North for a doubleton ace of diamonds, but that is inconsistent with whatever bidding you get.) Is South opens with a 12-14 no trump East may simply double. In theory 1NT is a dreadful spot, but declarer might quite easily emerge with a lot of tricks. Suppose West leads the jack of hearts. Might East not overtake and switch to a low diamond (in case West has a singleton ace)? Perhaps not, but if you do declarer will score six tricks. Board 36. Game All. Dealer West. [ A Q 10 7 2 ] K 7 6 { A 10 7 4 } 3 [ J 8 6 4 [ K 5 3 ] A 9 4 ] Q J 5 { 9 6 { Q J 3 2 } 8 7 4 2 } A 9 5 [ 9 ] 10 8 3 2 { K 8 5 } K Q J 10 6 After North opens 1[ the auction will diverge, depending on your location. Acol players will respond 2} and see partner bid 2{. That is not forcing in Acol but is rarely passed, although this could well be the moment to give partner the dummy. Otherwise South will respond 1NT and once again North will bid 2{. Can you think of anything clever to do? I can’t especially after analysing the previous 35 deals. It should be easy enough for declarer to arrive at eight tricks, but nine will only surface as a result of a serious defensive mistake.

Commentary for the 2009 European Bridge League Simultaneous Pairs Wednesday 25th November 2009 12