The 25th Annual

ACBL-wide

InstantInstant MatchpointMatchpoint ; k Game l '

Wednesday Evening September 14, 2011 Dear Bridge Players, I’m honored to have been invited back for the fifth straight year to write the analysis for the 2011 ACBL Instant Matchpoint Game. The mere fact that you are reading this tells me that you are interested in learning more about our wonderful game of bridge. Reading the analysis of deals you’ve just played is, in my opinion, the best way to learn. We all make mistakes; to understand why, and to get it right next time puts you on the road to becoming a better player. Two-over-one Game Forcing is slowly becoming the new “Standard.” I’ve recently urged all teachers to start beginners with the notion that 1;-2l (for example) is 13 points and not 10 points. The analysis in this booklet assumes a 2/1 GF system. However, there aren’t too many 2/1 deals this year (nor many forcing notrump responses). There is little discussion of conventions (one of my pet peeves is that conventions are way overrated—and not too important). Sure, it is assumed that the field is playing the staples such as Blackwood, Jacoby Transfers, Negative Doubles and Stayman. You won’t see any mention of the Upside-Down Fire-Breathing Dragon convention (please don’t send letters asking about this—it is just a joke). I’ve also assumed a 15-17 notrump framework. If you use a weak 1NT, hardly any of the auctions will match yours. Sorry—I have to cater to the vast majority. One of the frustrating parts of is getting a poor score when you do nothing wrong. There are enough mistakes and self-inflicted wounds in a session that you don’t need to get bad boards for just sitting there. Especially in so-so fields, if your opponents simply bid and make their proper contract, you can expect only 25% or so of the matchpoints. There are many deals in this booklet where simply “doing the normal thing” will lead to 75% one way and 25% the other way. It seems though, that the cards run both ways, so that you will get your chance on half—and just have to hope your opponents don’t play perfectly on their half. The matchpoints are taken from an overseas event played more than a decade ago. Of course, there will be griping about the matchpoint scores on nearly every deal. Don’t blame the messenger; blame the people who first played the deals—although you’ll never know who they are. I hope you enjoy the analyses herein, and maybe, for once, you can prove to your partner that he was wrong and you were right. If you’d like to contact me, or read any of the hundreds of free bridge articles/features I’ve written, you can do so through my website: http://www.larryco.com

Larry Cohen

Larry Cohen of Boca Raton FL is one of the leading players, teachers, and writers in . He has won 25 North American Championships, most with partners and then David Berkowitz. He has taught at land and sea all over the world. His books have been translated into eight languages, and he is best known for his best seller on the . He is a contributor to many bridge magazines, including two columns in ACBL’s Bridge Bulletin (The Real Deal, and It’s Your Call). Larry is conducting a Holiday Caribbean bridge cruise this December as well as a luxury South American bridge cruise in 2012. Please see www.larryco.com for details. 1 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points Vul: None … 100 980 99 … 97 690 96 650 96 550 95 500 94 480 92 450 75 420 53 300 46 … 44 100 43 -50 31 -100 12 -150 4 … 3 -300 2 West North East South -470 1 ; ; -500 1 1 Pass 2 … 3l 4k Pass Pass 0 Pass

Okay—let’s get this out of the way. The auction shown is only a guess. It doesn’t mean that if you bid differently that you made a mistake. North’s 1; is clear (never open the lower-ranking suit with 5-5 intending to ). South is a little heavy, but most will raise to 2;. With his 7-4 shape, West wants to get in, though he would prefer better diamonds. If he bids 3l, North has several options. He might just blast to 4; (to conceal the nature of his hand) and would pay the price. Better is to introduce hearts, either on the three level (which since 3; would be competitive, would be the only available), or on the four level as shown. South would surely be tempted to go on over 4k, so the Pass in the bidding diagram is quite conservative. It could be bad news for any greedy East players who double a “final” contract of 4;, only to chase their opponents into 5k making! Slam in hearts depends on the ;A being onside (and no spade ). Played from the likely North side, declarer loses only two spade tricks. Played from South, a spade lead (and subsequent ruff) holds it to 10 tricks. Some East-West pairs might find the good 5l . Board 2 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points Vul: N-S … 100 100 98 50 94 -140 91 … 90 -400 89 -420 88 -430 86 -450 82 -460 77 -480 71 -490 62 -510 49 -520 38 … 37 -980 33 -990 25 -1010 11 -1020 1 West North East South … 0 1; Pass 1NT Pass 3k Pass 4' Pass 4NT Pass 5l Pass 5k Pass 6k Pass Pass Pass

This auction needs lots of explaining. East’s 1; is normal (it would be a needless distortion to open 2NT with 5-4 in the majors). West’s 1NT is forcing (see booklet introduction). East jump shifts to show his second suit (again, anything else would be a distortion). Now, West has a great hand for hearts. What should he do? It is a good agreement to play “no new suits on the four level.” This applies to our constructive auctions–here, it is “too late for clubs.” It is more likely that responder has this type of hand (a nice heart raise with a club control), than a hand where he wants to play in clubs opposite a major two-suiter. If 4' is a control-bid (for hearts; with spades, West would raise spades), East can use Roman Key Card Blackwood in hearts. West shows 0 or 3 (assuming 1430 responses) and East signs off in 5k (just in case it is zero– admittedly unlikely). With three, West is permitted to go on (how can three not be enough)? Most declarers will easily take 13 tricks. With spades 3-3 and the king onside, there is really no way to go wrong. It really is a shame that some North-South pairs will get an 11% board just because their opponents bid 6k and make seven. Board 3 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points Vul: E-W … 100 500 99 470 98 400 97 300 96 … 95 200 92 … 88 140 84 110 75 100 63 90 55 80 52 … 51 -50 38 -80 26 -90 23 -100 14 -110 6 West North East South -120 5 1' -130 4 … Pass 1; 1NT Pass 3 -200 2 Pass Pass -300 1 … 0

In the auction shown, East bids 1NT to show a strong notrump (and stoppers in the opponents’ suits). His alternative was to double, surely a viable choice since he is 4-4 in the red suits. However, if 1NT is available as natural, that feels more descriptive—it gets the point count and balanced nature across. A double could be made with a much wider variety of hand-types. Just make sure you and your partner know if 1NT is natural, as opposed to a weak takeout in the sandwich position. I used to play it as weak takeout, but now prefer it as strong (too many opponents out there are trying to steal, and you need this natural alternative). Against 1NT, South will probably lead his “big” club card. Many use the ace to ask for attitude and the king for count/unblock. South will likely switch, probably to a spade (that is what North bid, after all). Declarer will eventually play diamonds and North can poke through another club to hold declarer to his contract. If South somehow finds a heart switch at trick two, declarer will have to guess well to make his contract. Many South players won't be able to pass a 1NT . Playing support doubles, they will have to double, and now North might play in 2;, making. Board 4 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points Vul: Both … 100 500 99 … 98 200 96 … 94 110 90 100 81 90 74 … 73 -90 65 -100 42 -110 28 -120 23 -150 16 -180 15 -200 8 -300 1 … 0 -110 6 West North East South -120 5 Pass Pass 1' 1k -130 4 … 2' Pass Pass Pass 3 -200 2 -300 1 … 0

This partscore auction can go in many directions. Some East’s might open the chunky four-card heart suit in third seat, probably resulting in 1NT by West. Over the more likely 1', South 1k. West doesn’t have enough spades for a negative double, so could choose to raise to 2' as shown. Sure, it would be nice to have longer clubs (since 1' can be bid on a three-card suit), but raising feels like a better description than passing. Against 2', South has a difficult lead problem. If he leads a , declarer faces an uphill battle. He has to lose two spades, a heart and at least the two high clubs. Can he make his contract if he guesses the lQ? The double-dummy software thinks not, but in real life, there will surely be many plus 90s to East-West (often in 1NT).

Board 5 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points Vul: N-S … 100 800 99 … 98 500 97 … 96 200 95 150 93 130 89 110 86 ­— 100 79 90 73 50 63 -80 54 -100 52 -110 50 -120 48 -130 48 -140 43 -150 37 West North East South -170 34 Pass Pass Pass -200 27 1; Pass 2; Dbl -400 24 -420 18 4; All Pass -450 11 -500 6 … 2 -590 1 … 0 This would be a good time to remind readers that the auction shown is just a guess—not necessarily what I recommend. At many tables, South will open light in third seat with 1' (although the unfavorable vulnerability is a deterrent). This could result in a club contract North-South (a trick must be lost in each suit). At most tables, West will end up in spades, quite often in game. In the auction diagram, North is shown as passing the final contract (but he might double; one of the few penalty doubles that still exists). With good trumps, North would likely lead from his club sequence (instead of the singleton). Declarer has only three obvious losers (one diamond and two spades). Can he take all of the necessary red-suit ? In all scenarios, good defense can prevail. For example: Club lead ruffed in dummy, lJ passed to North. The ;Q is returned and declarer wins to ruff his last club in dummy. Now, when say, the l10 is played, South must cover to get declarer off dummy. Board 6 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East ­— Score points Vul: E-W … 100 1100 99 … 98 590 97 … 96 450 91 430 85 420 52 400 19 … 18 170 17 150 15 140 14 … 13 -50 8 -100 2 … 0

West North East South Pass 1l Pass 1k Pass 2k Pass 4k All Pass

Systemically, some South’s will open 1' (short club), and others might upgrade (three 10s) to a 15-17 notrump, to avoid opening in that ugly three- card diamond suit. Regardless, I expect at least 90% of the field to reach the heart game. If the defense starts with diamonds, getting a ruff, South’s potential club loser goes on the fourth diamond. If instead, the defense leads clubs (from the East side), declarer can go down if he finesses (losing the' K and then two diamonds and a ruff). There should be a slew of 420s and some -50s.

Board 7 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points Vul: Both … 100 800 99 790 98 … 97 630 95 620 91 600 79 500 69 … 68 200 67 180 66 170 65 150 63 140 60 … 56 110 53 … 52 -100 35 -200 10 West North East South -300 1 1; … 0 Pass 1NT Pass 2k Pass 3NT All Pass

A few Wests will make a of 1;. Being vulnerable and holding poor shape will deter most. If West does double, it will likely beget a redouble and probably a contract of 2' doubled down only 500. However, most Wests will pass, and North is shown as using a forcing (or semi-forcing) 1NT response. South will introduce his second suit and now North has many choices. He can raise hearts (albeit it a likely 4-3 fit), or rebid notrump. In either case, it is a question of inviting (opposite a partner who opens on the light side), or just bidding game (as shown, opposite most partners). After the obvious club lead, how show declarer play 3NT? It feels best to play a diamond at trick two, with the intent of getting to hand to run the ;10. Declarer should once in clubs (presumably when West wins his ;Q), and there might be nine tricks available. However, many (most?) declarers will fail in 3NT. West can hold up on the first round of spades to provide lots of problems. Even if West wins the first spade, declarer might need to overtake in spades on the second round to get to nine tricks. For those intrepid (Moysian) heart declarers, there are 10 tricks available and a lucky 620 for most of the matchpoints.

Board 8 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points Vul: None … 100 150 99 100 98 … 97 50 95 -50 94 -100 93 -110 92 -140 91 -150 90 -170 87 -200 62 … 41 -420 39 -430 37 -450 19 -460 2 -480 2 -500 1 West North East South -590 1 Pass 1' 1; Pass … 0 2' Pass 4; All Pass

What to open with 4-4 in the minors? There is no universal answer. Some always open 1', some always 1l, some like to open the better of the two suits. Regardless, East will overcall 1;. South might raise North’s minor (especially diamonds), often preemptively. West will offer a limit-plus raise (shown via a cue-bid) and East will bid game (points, schmoints). After getting spade support, East’s hand is worth way more than a 12-count. Whatever the lead, declarer has an easy time. There will be a slew of 450s (and, alas, 200s for the under-evaluators) as declarer has to lose only to the 'A and ;K–there is not much to the play. Should any East-Wests try the 4-4 heart fit, complications could arise. Lots of sympathy to the North-South pairs who receive only 19% for what would be a flat board in the Blue Ribbon Pairs. Board 9 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points Vul: E-W … 100 300 99 … 98 200 96 100 90 … 87 -200 86 -230 85 … 84 -620 74 -630 53 -650 35 -660 27 -680 17 -690 8 -710 6 -720 3 … 2 -1430 1 West North East South … 0 Pass 1k Pass 1; Pass 2NT Pass ??

East is too strong for 1NT (but not strong enough for 2NT), so he starts with 1k. After West’s 1; response, East’s 2NT shows 18-19 balanced. Now what? That’s why there are question marks. West has a beautiful 9-count. His kQ is golden, and his six-card spade suit is now marked to be opposite at least a doubleton (maybe a tripleton), so has lots of potential. To see how good West’s hand really is, just picture normal splits in the majors; 7NT would be cold. Should West investigate slam? Most won’t? How should he do so? That is a question of methods. Is 3k now forcing? What would 4k show? There are no clear answers. Many pairs will use new-minor forcing (though there are many other methods after 2NT rebids such as transfers or Wolff Signoff). Depending on the lead (surely it will be the 'Q if East declares), declarer will have issues. He will be happy with the heart break, but the play will slow to a crawl once the bad spade break is discovered. Expect anywhere from 10 to 12 tricks in the various strains.

Board 10 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points Vul: Both … 100 680 99 650 98 620 58 600 19 … 18 170 11 140 4 … 3 -100 2 -140 1 … 0

West North East South Pass 1l 2k Dbl Pass 4; All Pass

Though many will open the South hand 1NT, I think there is no reason to distort when you are 5-4 with four spades (it is always easy to get the spades in). With a five-card minor and a four-cardheart suit, 1NT has more appeal. Many Wests will overcall only 1k (scared by the vulnerability). In that case, North will bid 1; (promising at least five) and will end up in ;4 . A preemptive jump to 2k (as shown) will create more problems for the opponents. North is not quite worth a free 2;, but doesn’t wish to pass. The compromise is a negative double. South, facing a partner who had enough values to enter on the two level, can go directly to the spade game. Declarer has to lose a trick in each side suit (no matter which side it is played from), so 620 will be a very common score. If South does hide his diamond suit, a few intrepid West players might lead the lK and get a near bottom.

Board 11 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points Vul: None … 100 630 99 … 98 ­— 450 97 420 90 300 83 … 82 170 80 … 78 100 76 50 72 -50 63 -100 50 … 43 -170 42 … 41 -300 39 -400 35 -420 24 West North East South -440 14 Pass -500 13 1l 3; 4' 4; -550 12 ' … 11 5 Pass Pass Pass -650 10 -750 9 This is one of those deals which is likely to produce -920 6 a different auction at every table in the section. A few -940 3 … 2 Souths might open light, and a few Wests might choose -1090 1 not to open. Still, most tables will begin as shown … 0 (Pass–1l). Not vulnerable and holding a seven-card suit, a to 3; by North feels about right. East could make a negative double, hoping for 3NT by partner (planning to convert hearts to diamonds). The call shown (4') looks more normal–and please, let’s hope nobody thinks that it is Gerber. South would gladly offer 4; and West can support clubs. There still could be more bidding (although North, once he , isn’t supposed to bid again). With the diamond working, there are 12 easy tricks in a club contract. Some East-Wests might play in diamonds, where a club ruff can hold it to 11 tricks (or 10 tricks if somehow South is on lead and leads a club). If North-South sacrifice, they might make 10 tricks in spades (unless the defense arranges to get the heart ruff). Board 12 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points Vul: N-S … 100 800 99 … 98 500 97 … 96 100 94 90 93 … 92 50 89 -90 86 -100 85 -110 84 -130 77 -140 71 -150 65 -170 60 -180 59 -200 55 -210 52 West North East South -300 51 Pass 1; Dbl Pass -400 45 1NT 2l Dbl Pass -420 40 l -430 31 3 Pass 3NT All Pass -460 20 -490 19 The first line of bidding is fairly normal, and then West -500 13 has to decide how to respond to the takeout double. -550 7 … 6 Leaving it in would work well on this deal, but I’d -800 4 prefer to have better spades to defend on the one level. -1100 1 … Rather than guess to bid 2' or 3', I prefer a value- 0 showing 1NT (I wouldn’t worry about the lack of a diamond stopper). North might fear the vulnerability, but is shown bidding a dangerous 2l. East doubles to show extras, but alas, West can’t be sure this is a “penalty double.” These days, most low level doubles just show “cards.” If West guesses to leave it in, he might collect a large number (though the defense won’t be easy). Afraid that he might be defending against a nine-card fit, West might remove (as shown), leading to the most likely contract on this deal. Depending on declarer’s guesswork and the , there will be anywhere from 8 to 10 tricks taken in 3NT. Board 13 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points Vul: Both … 100 1400 99 1100 98 … 97 800 96 680 95 650 61 620 26 500 25 … 24 230 23 200 13 170 3 … 1 100 1 … 0

West North East South 1; 2l 3l Pass 3k Pass 4; Pass Pass Pass

After North’s 1; overcall, most Easts will content themselves with 2l (rather than an aggressive 3l). If available, South could make a splinter-raise of 4k, but that is way too dangerous unless you are 100% sure partner knows it is shortness and not length. South is a little too strong for a direct 4;, but surely many Souths will prefer that to the cue-bid raise shown. West might double 3l (to show a diamond card), but since he can stand any lead, he might not do so. North could signoff in 3;, but he has a little something and might try 3k as shown. Most roads lead to 4;. A few East-Wests will sacrifice in 5l and pay a heavy penalty if the defense gets heart ruffs. The play in 4; is so routine that I might be dumb enough to predict 11 tricks at every table. Well, nobody took only 10, did they? Board 14 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: None 500 99 … 98 200 97 150 91 120 87 110 87 100 78 90 68 70 67 50 57 -50 43 -90 37 -100 32 -110 23 -120 18 -140 14 -150 9 … 7 West North East South -200 6 Pass? 1l … 5 Pass 1k Pass 2l -400 3 -420 1 Pass Pass Pass … 0

Not vulnerable, many Easts will open the bidding with 1l. South would have to pass and West would have an awkward response. Without enough strength for 2', he likely would say 1NT, which might end the auction. One notrump by West should play well, as the defense is not likely to get the diamonds going. If East doesn’t open (as shown), the auction will probably die out in 2l. Declarer should make his contract, losing two hearts, two trumps and only one club trick. Even if the defense arranges a club ruff, declarer can then pick up the trumps for only one loser by careful play. Board 15 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 100 99 50 96 … 94 -200 92 -230 90 -260 89 … 88 -420 85 -450 75 -480 52 -490 36 -510 21 -520 5 … 4 -980 3 -1010 1 … 0 West North East South Pass 1k Pass 1; Pass 2; Pass 4; All Pass

Some East players might respond 2' to 1k (to get into a 2/1 GF auction), but 1; is the most likely call. West’s hand now improves greatly, maybe enough that some West’s will raise to 3;. This could propel East-West into the so-so slam. Without a diamond lead, slam is great (dummy’s diamond loser goes on the clubs). Even with a diamond lead, slam makes if there are no major-suit losers (as here). Still, it is not a slam you’d want to be in, nor will the field bid it (the most likely auction is shown). Will the South players lay down the lA? You could argue that the placement of the (likely) onside kK argues for cashing out. Still, experienced players detest laying down aces, so there should be lots of declarers making all 13 tricks. Board 16 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 500 99 … 98 400 96 … 94 150 92 140 84 130 77 120 71 110 62 100 59 … 58 -50 35 -100 7 -110 1 … 0 … 0

West North East South Pass 1NT Pass 2k Pass 2; Pass 2NT Pass 3; All Pass

The auction shown is a fairly “standard” Jacoby 2NT auction. Of course, South could valuate his hand as 10 points (9 plus a five-card suit) and drive to game. In the more pessimistic auction shown, South transfers and invites. North rejects the game offer, but chooses to play in the known 8-card major- suit fit. Ironically, 3; is cold by South, but can be defeated when played by North; so much for transfers. If East hits on a club lead (quite possible), West can win and play his lA. Then a heart over leads to a diamond ruff and five tricks. If South declares the spades, West can’t get both his two club tricks and the diamond ruff. (In practice, declarer might work on diamonds first and end up setting up five defensive tricks–if the communications exist for the defense to take them). Should any Norths stick it out in 2NT, they might be treated to a diamond lead, but best defense will hold him to only eight tricks. Board 17 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points … 100 Vul: None 800 99 … 98 480 95 460 88 450 64 430 42 420 39 400 35 210 32 200 31 … 30 100 29 … 28 -50 15 -100 1 … 0

West North East South Pass Pass 2NT Pass 3l Pass 3k Pass 3NT Pass 4k All Pass

After South’s 20-21 2NT opening, North transfers and offers a choice of games with 3NT. Of course, South prefers hearts, but note that even if South were 4-3-3-3, he should always prefer the major on this auction (because North often is offshape). This is quite different from 1NT-transfer-then 3NT by responder—who is always balanced in that case. West has a difficult lead problem and might lead a trump (though nothing is safe). It turns out that West can lead any of his 13 cards and the same 11 tricks will result. My kind of opening lead problem! Declarer has to lose the trump ace and a spade trick in what should be the flattest board of the session. So why do North-South get 64% for a routine 450? It seems that when this deal was played (many years ago) a fair number of North-Souths played in 3NT down 50 on a spade lead. As to why they wouldn’t find hearts, don’t ask me.

Board 18 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 150 98 120 97 110 96 100 92 90 88 80 87 50 75 0 62 -90 46 -100 28 -110 26 -120 16 -150 5 -180 4 -200 2 … 1 -300 0 West North East South Pass Pass 1' Dbl 1k 1; Pass Pass 2' 2l Pass 2; All Pass

I’ll be surprised if many tables have the exact auction shown. Anything can happen on this partscore deal. Almost all Wests will open in third seat (especially at these colors). North doesn’t have perfect shape for a takeout double, but he has an opening bid and at least three cards in every unbid suit. It pays to get in while you can, so most Norths will double. (Doubling 1' light is much more flexible than doubling 1; light–when partner has to answer on the two-level). East can show hearts, South spades, and then it comes back to East. He could make a card-showing double, but is shown as raising clubs. South tries another suit, North goes back to spades, and I am running out of space. This deal could be played in clubs or notrump by East-West or in spades, diamond or notrump by North-South. Aggressive bidding by North-South at these colors fairs poorly; minus 100 when your opponents are entitled to only 90 is a matchpoint killer.

Board 19 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 470 99 … 98 100 97 … 96 -230 95 … 94 -500 93 … 91 -650 86 -660 82 -680 42 -800 3 … 2 -1100 1 … 0

West North East South Pass 1; 3k 4k Pass 4; Pass Pass Pass

The diagram shows North taking advantage of the favorable vulnerability with a frisky 3k overcall. A pedestrian 2k overcall is also possible. East will show strong spade support, but West will never have interest in cooperating. Unless he has the hand records (let’s hope not!) North is not leading diamonds. (Maybe he will remember his partner’s failure to lead the lA on Board 15? Nah.) North’s realistic choices are the kQ or the singleton club. Both of those result in a fast 12 tricks for declarer. He draws trump, unblocks in clubs and then crosses to hand to throw a diamond on a club. Very few North-South pairs will find the excellent diamond save (nor the diamond lead); the most common result should be 680 to East-West. Board 20 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: Both 1100 99 … 98 660 97 650 93 630 90 620 83 600 77 500 76 … 75 210 74 200 73 180 71 170 69 150 65 140 60 130 56 120 54 110 52 West North East South 100 50 Pass Pass Pass 1' 90 50 Pass 1; Pass 3; … 49 ; -100 36 Pass 4 All Pass -110 22 -200 13 -300 3 … Only at a small fraction of tables will West open 2k 0 (vulnerable-ugh!) or East open light in third seat (vulnerable-risky!). Many Souths will open 1NT (see Board 10 for my opinion on that action). If South does open 1NT, he might play there. However, North might invite with his flat 9-count (but will he use Stayman)? In the auction shown, North’s 1; and South’s 3; are routine. North might try 3NT, but South would probably go back to spades. The double-dummy computer will calculate 11 tricks, but humans will get the spades wrong. How about the club suit? That’s another one that is easy to pick up looking at all the cards, but at the table, it’s a different story. According to the matchpoint table, more declarers are likely to endure minus 100 than to make their game. Board 21 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 1400 99 … 98 990 96 … 93 850 88 800 83 790 81 680 79 650 69 ­— 620 56 500 50 300 47 … 46 200 44 170 42 … 40 100 36 50 28 West North East South … 23 Pass 2; 4k -100 22 4; ?? … 21 -170 20 -200 18 … 17 At many tables, East will take advantage of the favorable -420 16 vulnerability and open 2; as shown. South will likely -450 8 … 7 overcall 4k and West will have an easy 4; bid. North -590 4 will have a tough decision. Should he double (which -650 1 … really isn’t “penalty”)? Should he Pass? Should he 0 bid 5k? What if East doesn’t open 2;? South would open 4k, West would double (not penalty, of course!) and East would be delighted to bid 4;. After that, it’s anyone’s guess. Both South and North would be tempted to take further action. Neither side would be happy on the five level. How about the four level? In a heart contract, South looks to have two diamonds and a club to lose. However, if West doesn’t defend properly, there are many ways he might take 11 tricks. In a spade contract, declarer has to lose a club and a heart, so his handling of the trump suit will be key. Leading an honor from the East hand will result in the loss of an extra spade trick in which case only nine tricks can be made. This looks like one of the more fun deals of the session. Board 22 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 800 99 … 98 500 97 490 97 480 96 460 96 450 94 440 93 430 91 420 87 400 83 300 80 … 79 200 73 180 67 170 57 150 44 140 36 West North East South 130 30 Pass 1k 120 28 1; Pass 2; Dbl 110 26 l 100 24 Pass 2NT Pass 3 … 23 Pass Pass Pass -50 19 -100 11 This auction shows North using a modern treatment (but -110 8 … 5 not a “convention”). Let’s start at the beginning. South -200 1 is not strong enough for 2', so opens 1k. West would … 0 like to preempt to 2;, but the adverse vulnerability will make 1; more prudent. East should support with support and South has an obvious takeout double. Now what? North can’t leave it in, so wants to pick a minor. Which one? We can see that clubs would lead to a 4-3 fit, while diamonds would be a 4-4. The 2NT bid shown is meant as: “Partner, I don’t know what to do, you choose.” This treatment is useful, but the big question is: “When to use it?” Here is a general rule: “When the opponents have bid and raised a major, and partner doubles for takeout, 2NT can’t be natural; it is for the minors/takeout.” Here, that would land North-South in diamonds, where they might take 11 tricks (losing only two clubs). If North-South play in other strains, there is lots of guesswork involved and any number of tricks is possible.

Board 23 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: Both 1100 99 … 98 660 97 650 90 630 81 620 69 600 51 … 43 200 42 180 42 170 41 150 39 140 38 … 36 100 35 -100 23 -200 6 … 0 West North East South 1' Pass 1; Pass 2; Pass 4; All Pass

Surely, many Souths will rebid 1NT instead of raising on three cards. My rule for a three-card raise is roughly this: If flat, but the side doubleton has no honor, and the trumps are decent (not three low), then raise with three cards instead of rebidding 1NT. Even if South does rebid 1NT, North can rebid 2l (presuming new-minor forcing). South now might bid 2k (a matter of style), but will eventually disclose the three-card spade support. In a spade contract, declarer can do quite well. He is likely to make 11 tricks by ruffing diamonds in dummy. On a heart lead, declarer might get greedy (two rounds of hearts, ;A, kA). West would ruff, declarer would overruff and play the lA and a diamond. Now a club to West for another trump will stop the overtrick. Meanwhile, if declarer plays diamonds at trick two, he will have an easier road to 11 tricks and a great board. It doesn’t seem fair that North-South should score 69% for making only 620–but as usual, just avoiding bad decisions (such as playing in 3NT or a partscore) usually is above average in a so-so field.

Board 24 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: None 500 99 … 98 200 97 … 96 140 94 100 89 50 78 -100 73 … 72 -150 70 -170 69 -180 68 -200 67 -210 66 … 65 -400 62 -420 56 -430 42 West North East South -450 27 Pass Pass 1; Pass -460 17 1NT Pass 3k Pass -480 10 -490 6 3NT Pass Pass Pass -500 3 … 2 If East likes his singleton 'K, he could choose to open -590 1 … 2'. If he opens 1;, the jumpshift to 3k is game 0 forcing. West, maybe deterred by all the low clubs, could choose to raise to 4k, resulting in a 4-3 fit. That contract might play well (with some good guessing), but 3NT is probably going to be the most common resting spot. If North leads fourth from the unbid club suit, he won’t enjoy the first trick. Now, declarer has 10 top tricks (assuming he guesses the hearts) and might take a spade finesse for an eleventh. On a different lead, declarer has nine top tricks and will have to decide if he wants to risk the spade finesse for an overtrick. Given that it is matchpoints and that clubs could be blocked, he should take the risk. Actually, the defense can unblock the clubs by playing the ace and 10 (or queen) on the first round–but by the time they get in, it will be too late.

Board 25 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 500 99 470 97 … 96 200 92 170 88 140 87 120 85 110 77 100 63 … 56 -50 48 -90 40 -100 36 -110 27 -120 19 -130 16 -140 15 -150 10 West North East South -170 6 2; Pass 3; -180 5 Pass Pass Pass -200 4 … 3 -500 2 -600 1 North’s hand will be almost everyone’s idea of a weak … 0 two-bid. After 2;, East would like to take action, but nothing fits. He isn’t strong enough for 2NT, and his overall hand/suit don’t look like a three-level overcall in diamonds. The shape is wrong for a takeout double (partner invariably chooses clubs when you have a doubleton). Experienced players will recognize immediately that East should pass and will be able to do so in , so as to not put any ethical restrictions on partner. South is not interested in game, but he can follow the LAW of Total Tricks by raising to 3;. Better to bid it right away than to let the opponents get into the act (as they surely would). After 3;, West has the shape, but not the strength for a takeout double. East won’t be happy, but what can he do but pass again? It looks straightforward for declarer to take eight tricks for -50. Meanwhile, East-West can make a three-level contract–off only four top tricks. Bad marks (and matchpoints) to any East-West pairs who sell out to 2;. Board 26 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: Both 680 99 660 99 650 94 630 88 620 72 600 56 … 54 210 53 200 52 180 49 170 43 150 37 140 31 120 26 … 24 -100 14 -110 5 -200 2 West North East South … 0 Pass Pass Pass 1l Pass 1k Pass 2k Pass 4k Pass Pass Pass

Many Souths will open 1' (I would), which will also lead to 4k (often by North). In the auction shown, North might pass South’s 1k call (since South is a passed hand) leading to lots of overtricks. Ostensibly, North-South have to lose a sure heart and a sure club and maybe nothing else. However, there is lots of handling and guessing involved. The spade suit can be picked up (especially if East is on lead and tries a risky ;K lead) for no losers. The heart suit involves guesswork. Normal is to lay down the kA and then lead towards the queen-10. A smooth by East is likely to see South putting in the 10 (which breaks even on the 3-2 splits, but gains against 4-1), losing to the jack. With lots of work and good guessing to do, any declarers who score 620 deserve their good board.

Board 27 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: None 590 98 … 97 450 92 420 84 300 79 230 78 200 75 170 70 150 67 140 60 110 52 100 49 50 45 -50 30 -90 17 -100 11 … 4 -170 3 West North East South … 2 3; -420 1 Pass Pass Dbl Pass … 0 4k Pass Pass Pass

Can you ever open a weak two-bid with a seven-card suit? Sure, but not here. Yes, it looks junky/queeny, but with a decent seven-card suit and not vulnerable, I like to open on the three level. With a bad seven-card suit, a junky 7-2-2-2 and vulnerable, maybe that would be the time for pulling it in a notch and opening only two. Maybe half the North players will raise to 4;–not expecting it to make, but as a blocking move. If they do so, it might freeze East out of the auction and lead to -50 or -100 (if the defense can arrange a club ruff). If West leads a diamond against 4;, he won’t like the result. How about an East-West contract of 4k as shown? As long as the defense takes the top spades and then goes passive (no panic with a diamond play), the contract will fail. Declarer can set up clubs, but still has two diamonds to lose. In practice, declarer, desperate for five club tricks, might finesse in clubs. Strangely, that leads to the same down one.

Board 28 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 500 99 … 98 150 96 130 91 120 86 110 71 100 53 90 38 80 27 70 26 50 20 -70 15 -80 13 -90 11 -100 8 -110 4 … 2 -150 1 West North East South … 0 Pass 1' Pass 1k Pass 1; Pass 1NT Pass Pass Pass

South won’t enjoy the auction shown. Some will pass the 1' opening, but most are likely to respond in the major. (Yes, aggressive Easts will double 1'). After North’s 1; rebid, South will wish he hadn’t gotten involved. He can’t pass and play a 4-2, so that leaves 1NT (an overbid) or 2' (one club short). Some pairs play the North’s 1; guarantees an unbalanced hand– making 2' much more attractive. If North-South buy it in 2', that contract plays well. There are eight easy tricks (five trumps, ;AK, and a spade ruff) and quite probably an overtrick. How about 1NT in the auction shown? West has a tough lead problem. The opponents have bid everything but diamonds, yet a diamond lead looks least attractive. I’d guess the kQ is the least of evils and it would strike gold here. The defense can cash the first seven tricks in the red suits for down one and a good East-West score. Board 29 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points … 100 Vul: Both 800 98 … 97 630 96 620 96 600 94 500 92 400 91 300 85 200 74 170 67 150 60 130 48 110 39 100 31 … 24 -100 19 -110 13 -140 11 West North East South -200 6 3' Pass Pass -300 1 Pass … 0

North’s hand would be more classic if the kA were the 'A ('AQJ10xxx and out), but this is close enough to warrant a three-level preempt (even vulnerable). Just like on Board 25, East doesn’t quite have enough to come in at this high level. He has the wrong shape for a double and not enough suit quality or strength for a 3; overcall. After he passes, South has nothing to say. Could/should West balance? And with what? If I doubled with the West hand, I’d expect to hear my partner say 3l, or equally bad, 3NT. with 3k might work, but it is quite risky at this vulnerability. If West does balance, East will put the partnership in game, which will surely fail. Still, if that game isn’t doubled, and goes down only one, East-West will be above average. That’s a lot of “ifs.” In clubs (and more complexly, in diamonds), North-South should score 130 for 10 tricks. Board 30 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: None 100 99 50 97 … 96 -150 95 -170 92 … 90 -240 89 … 88 -400 83 -420 69 -430 58 -440 50 -460 38 -490 21 -500 11 -520 8 … 6 -800 5 West North East South -920 3 1' 1l -940 1 2l Pass 2; Pass … 0 3NT Pass Pass Pass

This is a decent slam, which “nobody” will reach. Of course, the computer makes seven (it drops the 'K and takes some major-suit finesses). The auction shown represents an intelligent (rather than bashing) route to the notrump game (likely to be played at most tables). South has enough for a white one-level overcall, and West could directly bid 3NT. But without spades stopped, he can start delicately with 2l (to show a limit-or-better club raise). East should show some sign of life (he has a nice hand opposite club support) with 2; (where he lives). This doesn’t promise four cards (West has pretty much denied four). West is now happy to bid 3NT, the likely resting spot. After a diamond lead, losing club finesse and more diamonds, how much nerve will declarer have? He has nine top tricks, but can take 12 if he risks all the finesses. Alternatively, he can hold up once in diamonds and then takethe heart finesse(s) in safety. Another possible ending could involve South coming down to one spade and diamond winners, and declarer has to guess. At the tables where South neglects to overcall, 3NT is still likely to be reached, but with different considerations in the play. Board 31 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 100 99 50 98 … 97 -190 96 … 95 -420 91 -430 84 -440 81 -450 80 -460 77 -480 72 -490 56 -510 43 -520 31 … 20 -750 19 -920 16 -940 11 West North East South -980 10 Pass -990 6 1NT Pass 2' Pass -1010 3 ; -1020 1 2 Pass 3NT All Pass … 0

Yes, slam makes (it depends on the diamond suit), but the field is likely to bid as shown. Could East show diamonds (in addition to looking for a heart fit)? Sure. Opposite the right hand, slam could be quite good, but my partners never have the right hand. In the process of investigating, you give away information to the defense, and often overreach to a poor slam. Here, West has quite a nice-fitting 17-count, and still slam is only so-so. After a club lead, declarer has only nine sure tricks, but once diamonds come in, he is quickly up to 12. If the first trick goes '9 (or a lower spot), '10, 'J, 'Q, declarer should take all 13 tricks. He will run his winners ending in dummy and can’t go wrong. South has to keep the 'A, so the ;Q will fall (finesse or no finesse). The matchpoints were taken from a field where many used a weak 1NT. When West opens 1l, reaching slam is more likely than after a strong 1NT. Therefore, a surprising percentage (nearly one quarter of the field) reached slam. Board 32 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 400 99 300 98 200 92 … 87 100 69 … 51 -110 49 -120 47 -130 41 -140 34 -150 29 -170 26 -200 25 … 24 -600 16 -620 6 -630 3 -650 2 West North East South -660 1 1l 1k 1; 3k … 0 Pass Pass 4' Pass 5' Pass Pass Pass

It hurts my eyes to look at that 1k overcall (such lovely spots!), but favorable vulnerability can do strange things to our judgment. After East’s 1; (promising at least five), South can preempt to 3k (if available systemically). When this comes back to East, he has a problem. He could double (cards) or try 3NT (not fun with only one stopper in hearts). He is shown as trying 4'. With a doubleton honor, West might go back to the 5-2 spade fit, but here, he raises to 5' (4' should be forcing). Without a heart lead, declarer is in business, but if South just leads partner’s suit, it will be plus 100 (a very common result) to North-South (the same can be said for a spade or notrump game). Board 33 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: North Score points … 100 Vul: None 500 99 … 99 200 97 180 97 170 96 160 95 150 94 140 89 120 84 110 69 100 53 90 50 80 48 50 47 0 45 -50 32 -90 18 -100 12 West North East South -110 5 Pass Pass 1; … 4 Pass 2; Dbl Pass -150 2 -200 1 3' Pass Pass Pass … 0

After a fairly normal 1;-2;, East should pre-balance with a double. As a passed hand, this is an easy decision (he has almost perfect shape and a maximum). Letting the opponents play on the two level with an eight-card fit is not a growth industry. West shouldn’t get too excited (his partner is a passed hand!) so should bid only 3'. When this is passed back to South, he could use the LAW of Total Tricks. He expects his own partner would have competed to 3; with a singleton club or four spades. So his partner likely has at least two clubs and only three spades. That means at most 16 trumps, where usually you should not bid “three over three.” If South does play in spades, West’s singleton diamond lead results in five easy defensive tricks (two trumps, two aces, and a diamond ruff). How about 3' as shown? Declarer has to lose two hearts, a diamond and a club. Anything else? There is a lot of handling (what does he do with all of those spade losers)? The computer thinks down one–and so do I. Eight trumps and tricks for each side always makes me happy. Board 34 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: East Score points … 100 Vul: N-S 100 99 50 96 … 94 -170 91 -200 90 -230 89 -260 87 … 86 -420 83 -430 79 -450 68 -460 58 -480 43 -500 28 -510 17 … 5 -980 2 -1010 1 West North East South … 0 1; Pass 2NT Pass 4; All Pass

This has to be one of the ugliest 1; openings in history; I hope nobody gets to this page to see it. I am reminded of my favorite line in bridge literature. In “Adventures in Card Play,” late in the book, authors Kelsey and Ottlik say something like: “I am not worried about insulting weak players here, because they will never make it to this page in the book.” After the ugly 1;, South would like to get in, but the vulnerability is a deterrent. West has lots of fun choices (he can splinter in clubs or hearts!). The diagram shows a Jacoby 2NT response. If ever there were a minimum, East has it, so jumps to 4;. Any exuberant East-West pairs who reach slam (they shouldn’t if they use RKC) will get very lucky. The in spades is to lay down the ace (gaining against singleton king in either hand). Accordingly, minus 510 (no club lead) should be a very common result. All of this assumes a 17-table section, so this deal isn’t likely to see the light of day.

Board 35 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: South Score points … 100 Vul: E-W 500 99 … 98 180 97 170 96 150 93 140 89 120 79 110 68 100 66 90 55 80 44 … 43 -50 29 -90 15 -100 8 -120 2 -150 1 … 0 West North East South Pass Pass 1l Pass 1k Pass 1; Pass 1NT Pass Pass Pass

North could decide to pass 1k (since his partner is a passed hand). However, if his partner were 4-4 in the majors, that wouldn’t work out so well. After 1;, South should bid notrump. Especially at matchpoints (when there is no need to stretch to bid close games), 1NT is enough. Don’t punish partner for opening the bidding. West has a tough lead problem. With declarer likely to have clubs, leading that suit seems dangerous. Diamonds are out, so it comes down to the majors. Probably dummy’s suit (spades) is the most likely choice. If South leads a low spade (not many would), declarer would end up losing a spade trick! He would play West for honor-fourth and East for a doubleton honor. Declarer’s main battle will be the heart suit. We can see that the kA and another heart is the winning play. With limited entries to hand, South might play it that way to emerge with at least eight tricks and a good board.

Board 36 MATCHPOINT TABLE N-S Match- Dealer: West Score points … 100 Vul: Both 300 99 200 98 … 97 100 94 90 90 … 88 -90 82 -100 81 -110 73 -120 66 -140 57 -150 42 -180 29 -200 19 -210 11 -240 10 -300 7 -400 4 West North East South -500 3 Pass 1l Pass 1; … 2 Pass 2' Pass 2l -600 1 … 0 Pass Pass Pass

North’s hand, with all the points in the long suits, looks like an opening bid. East has the wrong shape for a double (yet that won’t stop a lot of people), and South will be happy to bid 1;, but very unhappy to see what comes next. After North’s 2', South’s correct bid is to go back to diamonds (usually the longer suit). Perfect defense will obliterate this contract. I might lead a trump (yes, from Qxx), because this auction and my club holding indicates that declarer is going to ruff clubs in dummy. While a trump lead is good, the best lead is a heart (quite possible–it is the unbid suit). West can win and play a trump. West can get in again for a second trump play. When declarer leads the ;10, East should cover. This all might hold declarer to four trump tricks and a spade. So much for opening the North hand. ; k l ' Wrap-Up — Statistics

Thank you for taking this journey with me—I hope that even if you didn’t have a good session, that you enjoyed reading what could have been. A true student of the game might consider reading about not only the (approximately) 24 deals he played, but the other deals in the booklet as well. I feel that there is something to learn from each and every of the 36 deals presented here. (I can’t recall ever seeing a deal where there wasn’t some educational point that could be made).

There were three deals where the opening lead of an unsupported ace (usually a no-no) was a winner (15,19 & 34). This gives less experienced players a chance to score better than their expert counterparts. In my experience, the weaker the player, the more likely they are to grab aces early in the play.

Since there is always griping about the computer-dealt hands, here are some statistics regarding the 36 deals: NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST Avg HCP 9.11 9.75 11.00 10.14 Total # Singletons 10 15 9 14 Total # of Voids 2 1 2 0 Total # of 7+ card suits 2 2 0 1 Total # of “balanced” hands 19 16 21 14

Mathematicians know that the computer distributes the cards honestly. When it deals hands, the result is “normal shape.” It is the human-dealt hands (usually with inadequate shuffling of the deck) that cause abnormal and skewed distributions (namely, too many flat hands). Don’t get too carried away by these statistics as they cover all 36 deals. Most of you played only 2/3 of these deals—and you might have skipped the 12 where your seat had all the action. Life can be that way.

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