ACBL-wide Senior Pairs Game #1 Monday Afternoon – March 2, 2020 – Set 240029 Analysis by Barry Rigal Barry Rigal is a player, author, commentator and syndicated columnist. Born in London in 1958, he has been a professional bridge player since moving to New York in 1994. Rigal has written many books as well as magazine and newspaper columns and has contributed to the world championship books for two decades. He has also served as the Chief Vugraph commentator for the World Bridge Federation for 10 years.

Married to Sue Picus. He has won two North American championships as well as EC Mixed Teams and multiple UK titles. As a professional player claims to be the only pro ever to have been shut out by his client from declaring a single board in a session — not for want of trying! At college reached the quarterfinal round of the University Challenge for Queen’s Oxford – where he suffered the indignity of losing to Queen’s Cambridge — and a team headed by the comedian Stephen Fry. He also claims that his tutors awarded him the title of “The laziest man in Oxford.”

Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 How high shouldBoard North 2Board 2 preempt?♠ System7 may prevent some from ♠ ♠ NorthBoard Deals1Board 1 ♥ 910 2 8 opening 2♦ —EastBoard but Deals in2Board 2 any event, ♥the57 4combination 3 of a decent ♥ ♥ NoneNorth VulDeals ♦ K9 2Q J 8 7 4 suit with low N-SEastdefense Vul Deals when nonvulnerable♦ A5 4Q 3 10 6 might3 2 argue for North ♦ ♦ None Vul ♣ 8K 5Q 3 J 8 7 4 bidding 3♦. IfN-S North Vul tries 3♦, then♣ 9A East 5Q 4 10 really 6 3 2 has to bid 3NT. On a ♣ ♣ ♠ K 9 6 3 2 8 5 3 ♠ A 4 diamond lead, he can♠ J endplay9 8 2 South9 5 in4 spades♠ A Qfor 10 +430. 6 5 3 A 2♦ call ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ AK 9Q 68 36 2 N ♥ KA J4 7 3 will probably see East♥ 8J 9overcall 8 2 2NT; thenN West♥ A KQcan J10 steer6 5 3 his side ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ 3A 2Q 8 6 WE♦ AK J10 7 9 3 6 via Stayman to 4♥♦. However,J8 9 5 4 a fewWE pairs may♦ 8A get K J too high if West ♦ 3 2 S ♦ A 10 9 6 ♦ J 9 5 4 S ♦ 8 ♣ 9 4 S ♣ A Q 7 starts with a cuebid♣ inA responseJ 10 2 to a Sdouble♣ from8 7 3 East. 6♥ needs ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 9 4 ♠ Q J 7 5 A Q 7 at least the club finesseA J 10and 2 does♠ Knot 4 get it. 8 7 3 ♠ ♠ ♥ 10Q J5 74 5 ♥ QK 410 9 7 6 2 ♥ ♥ ♦ 510 5 4 ♦ KQ 710 9 7 6 2 ♦ ♦ ♣ K5 J 10 6 2 ♣ K Q7 6 ♣ K J 10 6 2 ♣ K Q 6 EW 5♥; E 4N; EW 4♠; W 3N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 4♠; EW 4♣; NS 1N; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Par −450EW 5 ; E 4N; EW 4 ; W 3N; EW 2 ; EW 1 ; PEW 4ar −420; EW 4 ; NS 1N; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 BoardPar −450 2Board 2 ♠ 7 South will overcallPar −420 2♥ over East’s 1♠, letting West decide how North Deals ♥ 9 2 East Deals ♥ 5 4 3 many spades to bid. One can imagine any number between None Vul ♦ K Q J 8 7 4 N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 6 3 2 two and four, with some making a cuebid-raise, and even a ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ 9 5 4 few stretching to produce a splinter raise. Rather more E/W ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 6 3 2 N A 4 J 9 8 2 N A Q 10 6 5 3 pairs will bid to 4♠ than miss game — one can certainly argue ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ for West driving to 4♠ as a two-way shot that one side or the A Q 8 6 WE K J 7 3 8 WE A K J ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ other might take a lot of tricks. The result justifies this theory: 3 2 S A 10 9 6 J 9 5 4 S 8 ♣ 9 4 ♣ A Q 7 ♣ A J 10 2 ♣ 8 7 3 despite the spade finesse losing, declarer can bring home his ♠ Q J 7 5 ♠ K 4 game with a minimum of discomfort, when one club honor is ♥ 10 5 4 ♥ Q 10 9 7 6 2 onside. ♦ 5 ♦ K 7 ♣ K J 10 6 2 ♣ K Q 6

EW 5♥; E 4N; EW 4♠; W 3N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 4♠; EW 4♣; NS 1N; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −450 BoardP 3Board 3ar −420 ♠ Q 8 5 3 Board 4Board 4 ♠ Q 5 3 ♠ West has a normal, if minimum, opener.♠ If he bids 1♣, North will SouthBoard Deals3Board 3 ♥ AQ Q8 5 3 WestBoard Deals 4Board 4 ♥ KQ Q5 3J 10 7 5 ♥ overcall 1♦, leaving West a favorite♥ to end up at the helm in 1NT. E-WSouth Vul Deals ♦ QA QJ 10 8 6 BothWest VulDeals ♦ 8K 5Q J 10 7 5 ♦ After a top diamond lead, declarer♦ might well win in dummy and E-W Vul ♣ AQ 6J 10 8 6 Both Vul ♣ A8 56 ♣ take a spade finesse, letting North♣ in to clear diamonds. Now ♠ A K J 6 A 6 ♠ 10 7 2 ♠ A K J 10 7 A 6 ♠ — ♠ N ♠ declarer can be held♠ to six tricks — andN he ♠could get fewer if he ♥ JA 5K 2 J 6 N ♥ 910 7 7 6 2 4 ♥ A 4K 3J 102 7 N ♥ 9— 6 ♥ WE♥ misguesses clubs. If♥ West passes initially,WE North♥ can either bid ♦ KJ 57 24 WE♦ A9 75 63 4 ♦ 10A 43 3 2 WE♦ A9 6K Q J 7 6 4 ♦ K 7 4 S ♦ A 5 3 his long suit or distort♦ 10 his 3 hand to openS 1NT.♦ EitherA K Q Jway, 7 6 4his side ♣ 10 5 3 S ♣ K J 2 ♣ Q 2 S ♣ J 7 5 3 ♣ ♣ should play 1NT, and♣ after a heart lead, E/W♣ will have to work hard 10 5 3 ♠ 9 4 K J 2 Q 2 ♠ 9 8 6 4 2 J 7 5 3 ♠ to take even six tricks. ♠ ♥ K9 410 8 3 ♥ 89 8 6 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♦ 9K 210 8 3 ♦ 98 2 ♦ ♦ ♣ Q9 29 8 7 4 ♣ K9 210 9 8 4 ♣ Q 9 8 7 4 ♣ K 10 9 8 4 NS 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par +90 EW 4N; EW 5♦; EW 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ NS 1N; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; Par +90 PEW 4N;ar −630 EW 5 ; EW 2 ; EW 1 ; NS 1 ; Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 8 5 3 Board 4Board 4 ♠ Q 5 3 Par −630 South Deals ♥ A Q West Deals ♥ K Q J 10 7 5 E-W Vul ♦ Q J 10 8 6 Both Vul ♦ 8 5 ♣ A 6 ♣ A 6 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A K J 6 N 10 7 2 A K J 10 7 N — ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 5 2 WE 9 7 6 4 A 4 3 2 WE 9 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 7 4 S A 5 3 10 3 S A K Q J 7 6 4 ♣ 10 5 3 ♣ K J 2 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 7 5 3 ♠ 9 4 ♠ 9 8 6 4 2 ♥ K 10 8 3 ♥ 8 ♦ 9 2 ♦ 9 2 ♣ Q 9 8 7 4 ♣ K 10 9 8 4

NS 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par +90 EW 4N; EW 5♦; EW 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −630 Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 Board 2Board 2 ♠ 7 North Deals ♥ 9 2 East Deals ♥ 5 4 3 None Vul ♦ K Q J 8 7 4 N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 6 3 2 ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ 9 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 6 3 2 N A 4 J 9 8 2 N A Q 10 6 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A Q 8 6 WE K J 7 3 8 WE A K J ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 3 2 S A 10 9 6 J 9 5 4 S 8 ♣ 9 4 ♣ A Q 7 ♣ A J 10 2 ♣ 8 7 3 ♠ Q J 7 5 ♠ K 4 ♥ 10 5 4 ♥ Q 10 9 7 6 2 ♦ 5 ♦ K 7 ♣ K J 10 6 2 ♣ K Q 6

EW 5♥; E 4N; EW 4♠; W 3N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 4♠; EW 4♣; NS 1N; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −450 Par −420

Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 8 5 3 Board 4Board 4 ♠ Q 5 3 When West opens 1♠, most Norths will overcall 2♥ (rather South Deals ♥ A Q West Deals ♥ K Q J 10 7 5 than the more troublesome 3♥). Now over East’s 3♦ E-W Vul ♦ Q J 10 8 6 Both Vul ♦ 8 5 response West should rebid 3NT rather than 3♠. That ♣ A 6 ♣ A 6 action might lose a good 5–2 spade fit, but it will ensure his ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ side plays 3NT whenever that is a feasible spot. This would A K J 6 N 10 7 2 A K J 10 7 N — ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ certainly be sound strategy today: 3NT has 10 top tricks, while J 5 2 WE 9 7 6 4 A 4 3 2 WE 9 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 5♦ is awkward on a heart lead. East must win the ace and K 7 4 S A 5 3 10 3 S A K Q J 7 6 4 ♣ 10 5 3 ♣ K J 2 ♣ Q 2 ♣ J 7 5 3 pitch a heart on the top spades. Then he can ruff out the ♠Q ♠ 9 4 ♠ 9 8 6 4 2 and draw trump ending in dummy, in order to pitch a loser on the good spade. ♥ K 10 8 3 ♥ 8 ♦ 9 2 ♦ 9 2 ♣ Q 9 8 7 4 ♣ K 10 9 8 4

NS 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par +90 EW 4N; EW 5♦; EW 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; BoardP 5Board 5ar −630 ♠ 7 5 3 The majority Boardof E/W 6Board 6 pairs will open♠ K Qa strongJ 7 4 notrump and either Board 5Board 5 ♠ 7 5 3 Board 6Board 6 ♠ K Q J 7 4 North Deals ♥ 9 7 6 3 blast out 3NTEast or get Deals to the same♥ contractQ 7 6 2 via Stayman. South North Deals ♥ 9 7 6 3 East Deals ♥ Q 7 6 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 3 might well optE-W for Vul a passive spade♦ J lead, 2 rather than a high or low N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 3 E-W Vul ♦ J 2 ♣ A 10 7 diamond. East has nine top winners♣ K 8on any defense, but unless the ♣ A 10 7 ♣ K 8 ♠ K Q 6 2 ♠ A J 10 defenders lead or shift♠ A 6to a club or get too♠ active9 5 2 and set up an ♠ K Q 6 2 N ♠ A J 10 ♠ A 6 N ♠ 9 5 2 ♥ Q 8 2 N ♥ A J 10 4 additional diamond♥ winnerK 10 3 for declarer,N nine♥ Atricks J 5 seem to be the ♥ Q 8 2 WE♥ A J 10 4 ♥ K 10 3 WE♥ A J 5 ♦ K 2 WE♦ A 9 8 4 limit. In theory, the♦ seven-card8 7 majorWE fits ♦mightA 10 play4 for 10 tricks, ♦ K 2 S ♦ A 9 8 4 ♦ 8 7 S ♦ A 10 4 ♣ Q 6 5 4 S ♣ J 9 but very few pairs ♣willA findJ 6 4 their3 2 wayS to either♣ Q 10spades 9 7 or hearts. ♣ Q 6 5 4 ♣ J 9 ♣ A J 6 4 3 2 ♣ Q 10 9 7 ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ 10 8 3 ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ 10 8 3 ♥ K 5 ♥ 9 8 4 ♥ K 5 ♥ 9 8 4 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♦ K Q 9 6 5 3 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♦ K Q 9 6 5 3 ♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ 5 ♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ 5 EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; EW 4♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; Par −130 EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; EW 4♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; Par −130 Par −420 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 7 5 3 BoardPar −420 6Board 6 ♠ K Q J 7 4 East’s balanced 11-count does not look much like an opening bid, North Deals ♥ 9 7 6 3 East Deals ♥ Q 7 6 2 does it? At this vulnerability most will pass, and South can then N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 3 E-W Vul ♦ J 2 choose to preempt either to 2♦ or even 3♦. Being in second seat ♣ A 10 7 ♣ K 8 argues for restraint, the vulnerability for aggression. This is the ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 6 2 N A J 10 A 6 N 9 5 2 sort of deal where if East does open, his side rates to fail in game, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ be it clubs or notrumps. If East passes, then N/S will probably go Q 8 2 WE A J 10 4 K 10 3 WE A J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ down in a diamond contract, unless West overcalls and turns his K 2 S A 9 8 4 8 7 S A 10 4 ♣ Q 6 5 4 ♣ J 9 ♣ A J 6 4 3 2 ♣ Q 10 9 7 plus score on defense into a minus. Making club partscores should ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ 10 8 3 be a fine result for E/W. ♥ K 5 ♥ 9 8 4 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♦ K Q 9 6 5 3 ♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ 5

EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; EW 4♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; Par −130 Par −420 Board 7Board 7 ♠ 10 9 8 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A J 5 2 Board 7Board 7 ♠ 10 9 8 South hasBoard far too 8Board 8 much for a♠ 4A♠ J opener5 2 (this unilateral action South Deals ♥ A Q 4 West Deals ♥ J 9 7 2 South Deals ♥ A Q 4 might workWest — Dealsbut could equally♥ J 9 easily 7 2 miss a slam). If he Both Vul ♦ Q J 7 5 None Vul ♦ J 5 Both Vul ♦ Q J 7 5 opens 1♠None, North Vul can go low♦ withJ 5 a forcing notrump sequence ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ Q J 7 or set up a game force via a♣ 2/1Q 7call. 4 In the latter case there ♠ 7 2 ♠ J ♠ K Q 10 6 ♠ 9 ♠ 7 2 N ♠ J would be a real♠ riskK Q that10 6 N/S couldN climb♠ 9 to the five level, off ♥ 10 9 8 6 5 N ♥ 7 3 ♥ 6 N ♥ A 10 8 5 3 ♥ 10 9 8 6 5 WE♥ 7 3 three top losers.♥ 6It may be hardWE for N/S♥ toA 10stop 8 5 low, 3 and even ♦ 10 6 4 2 WE♦ A K 3 ♦ 8 4 2 WE♦ A 10 7 ♦ 10 6 4 2 S ♦ A K 3 harder for them♦ 8to 4 bid 2 to their optimumS ♦ Adenomination 10 7 at ♣ 6 5 S ♣ A 10 9 8 4 3 2 ♣ A J 10 8 3 S ♣ 9 6 5 2 ♣ 6 5 ♣ A 10 9 8 4 3 2 pairs; notrump♣ hasA J the 10 8same 3 10 top tricks♣ 9 6as 5 spades. 2 I suspect ♠ A K Q 6 5 4 3 ♠ 8 7 4 3 ♠ A K Q 6 5 4 3 few will bid with confidence♠ to8 7the 4 3 highest scoring strain. ♥ K J 2 ♥ K Q 4 ♥ K J 2 ♥ K Q 4 ♦ 9 8 ♦ K Q 9 6 3 ♦ 9 8 ♦ K Q 9 6 3 ♣ K ♣ K ♣ K ♣ K NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −110 NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −110 Par +630 Board 7Board 7 ♠ 10 9 8 BoardPar +630 8Board 8 ♠ A J 5 2 South Deals ♥ A Q 4 West Deals ♥ J 9 7 2 Both Vul ♦ Q J 7 5 None Vul ♦ J 5 ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 7 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 2 N J K Q 10 6 N 9 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 9 8 6 5 WE 7 3 6 WE A 10 8 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 6 4 2 S A K 3 8 4 2 S A 10 7 ♣ 6 5 ♣ A 10 9 8 4 3 2 ♣ A J 10 8 3 ♣ 9 6 5 2 ♠ A K Q 6 5 4 3 ♠ 8 7 4 3 ♥ K J 2 ♥ K Q 4 ♦ 9 8 ♦ K Q 9 6 3 ♣ K ♣ K

NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −110 Par +630 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 7 5 3 Board 6Board 6 ♠ K Q J 7 4 North Deals ♥ 9 7 6 3 East Deals ♥ Q 7 6 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 3 E-W Vul ♦ J 2 ♣ A 10 7 ♣ K 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 6 2 N A J 10 A 6 N 9 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 2 WE A J 10 4 K 10 3 WE A J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 2 S A 9 8 4 8 7 S A 10 4 ♣ Q 6 5 4 ♣ J 9 ♣ A J 6 4 3 2 ♣ Q 10 9 7 ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ 10 8 3 ♥ K 5 ♥ 9 8 4 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♦ K Q 9 6 5 3 ♣ K 8 3 2 ♣ 5

EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; EW 4♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; Par −130 Par −420

Board 7Board 7 ♠ 10 9 8 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A J 5 2 Light openers in the West seat will stretch to bid 1♣ (or 2♣ in a South Deals ♥ A Q 4 West Deals ♥ J 9 7 2 Precision base, protected by the limited nature of the opening Both Vul ♦ Q J 7 5 None Vul ♦ J 5 call). If West bids clubs, his side really ought to reach a club ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 7 4 partscore and bring home at least nine tricks there by ruffing out ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ the spades. If West passes, then South will probably be allowed 7 2 N J K Q 10 6 N 9 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ to open 1♦ in fourth chair. N/S can apparently play either major 10 9 8 6 5 WE 7 3 6 WE A 10 8 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ sensibly enough, but both suits break extremely poorly for them, 10 6 4 2 S A K 3 8 4 2 S A 10 7 ♣ 6 5 ♣ A 10 9 8 4 3 2 ♣ A J 10 8 3 ♣ 9 6 5 2 and seven tricks look to be the limit in either strain. Maybe South ♠ A K Q 6 5 4 3 ♠ 8 7 4 3 will do best to pass the board out! ♥ K J 2 ♥ K Q 4 ♦ 9 8 ♦ K Q 9 6 3 ♣ K ♣ K

NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −110 Par +630 Board 9Board 9 ♠ — With 17 HCP facingBoard 10Board 109, N/S rate to♠ bidJ 6 game and fail by at least a ♠ ♠ NorthBoard Deals9Board 9 ♥ 7— 5 2 trick. Of the threeEastBoard Deals sensible 10Board 10 games,♥ KJ3NT 6J 9 needs2 diamonds 3–3 or ♥ ♥ E-WNorth Vul Deals ♦ A7 5Q 2 J 7 6 3 a favorable lieBothEast in clubs, DealsVul so is no worse♦ QK J10 9than 2 a coin toss. Alas for ♦ ♦ E-W Vul ♣ QA Q8 6J 27 6 3 N/S, both minorsBoth refuseVul to behave.♣ JQ 5 1010♦ 6 has 5 4 10 winners but not an ♣ ♣ ♠ Q 9 8 7 Q 8 6 2 ♠ J 10 5 3 11th, unless declarer♠ isK allowed4 2 to setJ 10 up 6 5spades. 4♠ 9 8 5As for 5♣, if the ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ AQ 109 8 6 7 N ♥ KJ 109 85 33 defenders lead hearts,♥ QK 4they6 25 should holdN it to♥ A9nine 88 54 tricks. 3 Some will ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ 10A 108 46 2 WE♦ 9K 59 8 3 find a way to stay ♦outJQ 56 of4 5 3game whenWE North♦ Asigns K8 46 3off at his second ♦ 10 8 4 2 S ♦ 9 5 ♦ J 5 4 3 S ♦ A K 6 ♣ J 9 S ♣ K 10 7 turn facing a black♣ two-suiter.A K 2 They willS achieve♣ 9 8 a3 splendid result ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ J 9 ♠ A K 6 4 2 K 10 7 for their pessimism. A K 2 ♠ A Q 10 7 3 9 8 3 ♠ ♠ ♥ QA KJ 46 4 2 ♥ 10A Q7 10 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♦ KQ J 4 ♦ 910 8 7 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♣ AK 5 4 3 ♣ Q9 87 7 2 ♣ A 5 4 3 ♣ Q 7 NS 4♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; Par +130 EW 1N; W 2♦; EW 1♠; EW 1♥; E 1♦; W 1♣; ♦ ♣ ♦ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ NS 4 ; NS 3 ; NS 1N; Par +130 Par −90EW 1N; W 2 ; EW 1 ; EW 1 ; E 1 ; W 1 ; Board 9Board 9 ♠ — Board 10Board 10 ♠ J 6 Does an 11-count withPar −90 five control points constitute an opening North Deals ♥ 7 5 2 East Deals ♥ K J 9 2 bid? You be the judge. If East opens 1♣, West will most likely E-W Vul ♦ A Q J 7 6 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 declare 3NT, South having overcalled 1♠. After North leads the ♣ Q 8 6 2 ♣ J 10 6 5 4 ♠J, declarer will struggle to take even eight tricks, so long as ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 9 8 7 N J 10 5 3 K 4 2 N 9 8 5 South doesn’t go up with ♠A prematurely. Equally, you can ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ envisage West opening a minor in third seat, and South butting in A 10 6 WE K 9 8 3 Q 6 5 WE A 8 4 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ with the 1♠ at his second turn. Now East might well settle in 1NT, 10 8 4 2 S 9 5 J 5 4 3 S A K 6 ♣ J 9 ♣ K 10 7 ♣ A K 2 ♣ 9 8 3 and the struggle will be for the overtrick. Scores of 100 in either ♠ A K 6 4 2 ♠ A Q 10 7 3 direction won’t be that uncommon. ♥ Q J 4 ♥ 10 7 ♦ K ♦ 9 8 7 2 ♣ A 5 4 3 ♣ Q 7

NS 4♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; Par +130 EW 1N; W 2♦; EW 1♠; EW 1♥; E 1♦; W 1♣; BoardPar −90 11Board 11 ♠ K 7 5 4 Board 12Board 12 ♠ J 8 ♠ West has a classic 4♥ opener♠ (or a Namyats call of 4♣ if that SouthBoard Deals11Board 11 ♥ 3K 7 5 4 WestBoard Deals 12Board 12 ♥ QJ 88 3 ♥ is available). The ♥9 turns out♥ to be critical in 4♥, to prevent NoneSouth VulDeals ♦ 103 7 3 N-SWest Vul Deals ♦ KQ 78 63 5 4 ♦ N/S taking an overruff in clubs.♦ If North doubles 4♥ for None Vul ♣ A10 K7 Q3 5 2 N-S Vul ♣ JK 107 6 4 5 4 ♣ takeout, South should end up♣ in 4♠. Some Easts will misjudge ♠ 10 2 A K Q 5 2♠ A J ♠ 10 7 6 3 J 10 4 ♠ A K 9 ♠ N ♠ by bidding on, others♠ will double. TheN next♠ issue is whether ♥ A10 K2 Q J 10 8 4 N ♥ 9A 6J ♥ K10 7 7 2 6 3 N ♥ 9A 4K 9 ♥ WE♥ declarer can escape♥ for down oneWE in 4♠♥ doubled. After two ♦ —A K Q J 10 8 4 WE♦ A9 6K 9 6 4 2 ♦ AK 7Q 2 WE♦ J9 104 9 8 ♦ — S ♦ A K 9 6 4 2 rounds of hearts,♦ ruffedA Q low, SouthS plays♦ threeJ 10 9 rounds 8 of clubs, ♣ 10 7 6 4 S ♣ J 8 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 S ♣ 7 6 5 3 ♣ ♣ followed by a trump,♣ and achieves his goal.♣ Only an improbable 10 7 6 4 ♠ Q 9 8 6 3 J 8 3 K Q 8 2 ♠ Q 5 4 2 7 6 5 3 ♠ trump lead or shift by West lets♠ the defense collect 300. ♥ 7Q 59 28 6 3 ♥ AQ J5 104 26 5 ♥ ♥ ♦ Q7 5J 28 5 ♦ 3A 2J 10 6 5 ♦ ♦ ♣ 9Q J 8 5 ♣ A3 29 ♣ 9 ♣ A 9 EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; S 1♣; Par −430 EW 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 1N; E 2♦; NS 1♥; W 1♦; ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♦ ♥ ♦ EW 4N; EW 4 ; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; S 1 ; Par −430 EW 2Par −110; EW 3 ; EW 1N; E 2 ; NS 1 ; W 1 ; Board 11Board 11 ♠ K 7 5 4 Board 12Board 12 ♠ J 8 Par −110 South Deals ♥ 3 West Deals ♥ Q 8 3 None Vul ♦ 10 7 3 N-S Vul ♦ K 7 6 5 4 ♣ A K Q 5 2 ♣ J 10 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 2 N A J 10 7 6 3 N A K 9 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K Q J 10 8 4 WE 9 6 K 7 2 WE 9 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ — S A K 9 6 4 2 A Q S J 10 9 8 ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ J 8 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 ♣ 7 6 5 3 ♠ Q 9 8 6 3 ♠ Q 5 4 2 ♥ 7 5 2 ♥ A J 10 6 5 ♦ Q J 8 5 ♦ 3 2 ♣ 9 ♣ A 9

EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; S 1♣; Par −430 EW 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 1N; E 2♦; NS 1♥; W 1♦; Par −110 Board 9Board 9 ♠ — Board 10Board 10 ♠ J 6 North Deals ♥ 7 5 2 East Deals ♥ K J 9 2 E-W Vul ♦ A Q J 7 6 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 ♣ Q 8 6 2 ♣ J 10 6 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 9 8 7 N J 10 5 3 K 4 2 N 9 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 10 6 WE K 9 8 3 Q 6 5 WE A 8 4 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 8 4 2 S 9 5 J 5 4 3 S A K 6 ♣ J 9 ♣ K 10 7 ♣ A K 2 ♣ 9 8 3 ♠ A K 6 4 2 ♠ A Q 10 7 3 ♥ Q J 4 ♥ 10 7 ♦ K ♦ 9 8 7 2 ♣ A 5 4 3 ♣ Q 7

NS 4♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; Par +130 EW 1N; W 2♦; EW 1♠; EW 1♥; E 1♦; W 1♣; Par −90

Board 11Board 11 ♠ K 7 5 4 Board 12Board 12 ♠ J 8 With E/W able to make 1NT or a partscore in either black suit, the South Deals ♥ 3 West Deals ♥ Q 8 3 question is if N/S will steal the hand in 2♥. South rates to balance None Vul ♦ 10 7 3 N-S Vul ♦ K 7 6 5 4 over 1NT to show the majors, with 2♥ playing better his way up. ♣ A K Q 5 2 ♣ J 10 4 A spade lead for a trump shift would be necessary to beat that ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ contract. An initial trump lead from West lets declarer go after 10 2 N A J 10 7 6 3 N A K 9 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ diamonds. Eventually he can maneuver to ruff a spade in dummy A K Q J 10 8 4 WE 9 6 K 7 2 WE 9 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ — though his first spade play may need to be to lead up to the — S A K 9 6 4 2 A Q S J 10 9 8 ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ J 8 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 ♣ 7 6 5 3 eight! 2♥ by North on a trump lead looks a sure down one. ♠ Q 9 8 6 3 ♠ Q 5 4 2 ♥ 7 5 2 ♥ A J 10 6 5 ♦ Q J 8 5 ♦ 3 2 ♣ 9 ♣ A 9

EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; S 1♣; Par −430 EW 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 1N; E 2♦; NS 1♥; W 1♦; BoardP 13Board 13ar −110 ♠ A 7 6 5 Despite the vulnerability,Board 14Board 14 many Souths♠ K J 6 will5 3 stretch2 to come in over ♠ ♠ NorthBoard Deals13Board 13 ♥ QA 79 67 56 East’s 1NT opener.EastBoard Deals If 14Board 14 South passes,♥ AK West J4 6 5 should 3 2 be able to transfer ♥ ♥ BothNorth Vul Deals ♦ 10Q 92 7 6 to diamonds NoneEastand bidDeals Vul 3♥ to show♦ shortness.KA 4 If South overcalls, ♦ ♦ Both Vul ♣ 710 6 2 4 then Wests usingNone Lebensohl Vul can♣ bidAK 4 Q3 ♦3 , forcing. Either way, E/W ♣ ♣ ♠ K 10 8 7 6 4 ♠ Q J 4 2 may now avoid 3NT♠ andQ 7 settle in 5A♦ Q, for 3 +600.♠ 10 94♠ is harder to ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ JK 10 8 N ♥ AQ 4J 4 2 bid, and after a heart♥ JQ lead, 77 6 even harderN to play.♥ K10 8 9Best 5 2 is to win ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ KJ Q J 9 7 5 WE♦ A 64 4 3 ♥A, then play the ♠♦ K10J 7then 9 6 8 ♠10. IfWE they both♦ AK hold, 87 56 2 5take 3 the club ♦ K Q J 9 7 5 S ♦ A 6 4 3 ♦ 10 9 8 S ♦ A 7 6 5 3 ♣ Q J 3 S ♣ A 9 5 finesse. South will ♣winJ 8 and7 4 2press on Swith hearts,♣ 6 5 but declarer ruffs ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ Q J 3 ♠ 9 3 A 9 5 and run winners, concedingJ 8 7 4 2two♠ trumpA 8 4 tricks.6 5 ♠ ♠ ♥ K9 310 8 5 3 2 ♥ QA 810 4 9 3 ♥ ♥ ♦ 8K 10 8 5 3 2 ♦ Q J10 2 9 3 ♦ ♦ ♣ K8 10 8 2 ♣ KQ 10J 2 9 ♣ K 10 8 2 ♣ K 10 9 EW 4♠; EW 5♦; EW 2N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; N 6N; N 6♠; S 5N; S 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♠ ♠ ♥ ♣ Par −620EW 4 ; EW 5 ; EW 2N; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; NS 3N 6N;♦ N 6; Par +990; S 5N; S 5 ; NS 4 ; NS 4 ; Board 13Board 13 ♠ A 7 6 5 BoardPar −620 14Board 14 ♠ K J 6 5 3 2 You’d expect NorthNS 3 to ♦see; Par +990 his partner show 12–14 balanced North Deals ♥ Q 9 7 6 East Deals ♥ A 4 without four spades. New minor forcing will disclose South’s Both Vul ♦ 10 2 None Vul ♦ K 4 secondary spade fit, after which North is on the cusp of making ♣ 7 6 4 ♣ A Q 3 a slam try. Slam is clearly against the odds today, because not ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 8 N Q J 4 2 Q 7 N 10 9 only are you missing an ace and the trump queen, you also need ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ to right-side slam to protect the ♥Q. It is somewhat random that J WE A 4 J 7 6 WE K 8 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ slam might succeed from the North seat, but that South can be K Q J 9 7 5 S A 6 4 3 10 9 8 S A 7 6 5 3 ♣ Q J 3 ♣ A 9 5 ♣ J 8 7 4 2 ♣ 6 5 defeated on a heart lead. Anyone taking 12 tricks in notrump will ♠ 9 3 ♠ A 8 4 lose out only to those who bid and make slam. ♥ K 10 8 5 3 2 ♥ Q 10 9 3 ♦ 8 ♦ Q J 2 ♣ K 10 8 2 ♣ K 10 9

EW 4♠; EW 5♦; EW 2N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; N 6N; N 6♠; S 5N; S 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; Par −620 BoardNS 3 15Board 15 ♦; Par +990♠ A 4 2 Board 16Board 16 ♠ A Q J 9 5 2 ♠ When Easts opens 1NT, West is on♠ the cusp of inviting game. SouthBoard Deals15Board 15 ♥ A10 49 26 4 WestBoard Deals 16Board 16 ♥ A KQ JJ 39 5 2 ♥ Some can use Stayman followed♥ by 2♠; others will transfer then N-SSouth Vul Deals ♦ 10A 109 63 4 E-WWest Vul Deals ♦ 9A K J 3 ♦ either pass or bid 2NT. E/W might♦ still reach game if East can N-S Vul ♣ A8 510 2 3 E-W Vul ♣ 109 7 ♣ break the transfer to 2NT, showing♣ a maximum and three good ♠ 10 9 7 6 5 8 5 2 ♠ K Q 8 ♠ K 10 7 10 7 ♠ 8 6 4 3 ♠ N ♠ trumps. 4♠ hinges♠ on the spade guess,N while♠ a highly unlikely low ♥ 10Q J9 5 7 6 5 N ♥ K Q8 78 ♥ 8K 510 7 N ♥ 108 6 6 4 3 ♥ WE♥ club lead beats 3NT.♥ After the normalWE top club♥ lead against 3NT, ♦ Q J9 56 2 WE♦ K 8J 47 ♦ K8 5Q 10 6 2 WE♦ A10 J6 8 5 ♦ Q 9 6 2 S ♦ K J 4 declarer must lead♦ a Kspade Q 10 6to 2 his hand,S then♦ Ago J back8 5 to dummy in ♣ K S ♣ A 9 7 6 ♣ 9 4 3 S ♣ J 6 2 ♣ ♣ diamonds for a second♣ spade play. After the♣ normal top club lead K ♠ J 3 A 9 7 6 9 4 3 ♠ — J 6 2 ♠ against 3NT, declarer must lead ♠a spade to his hand then either ♥ JA 33 2 ♥ Q— 9 7 4 2 ♥ guess to pin the ♠J or play to set♥ up diamonds. After a heart play ♦ A8 73 52 ♦ 7Q 49 37 4 2 ♦ at trick three, E/W can prevail. ♦ ♣ 8Q 7J 510 4 3 ♣ A7 4K 3Q 8 5 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ A K Q 8 5 EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 1♣; NS 6♥; NS 6♣; NS 5♠; NS 2N; NS 1♦; ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♣ ♠ ♦ Par −420EW 4 ; EW 2N; EW 2 ; EW 3 ; EW 1 ; PNS 6ar +980; NS 6 ; NS 5 ; NS 2N; NS 1 ; Board 15Board 15 ♠ A 4 2 BoardPar −420 16Board 16 ♠ A Q J 9 5 2 Par +980 South Deals ♥ 10 9 6 4 West Deals ♥ A K J 3 N-S Vul ♦ A 10 3 E-W Vul ♦ 9 ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ 10 7 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 9 7 6 5 N K Q 8 K 10 7 N 8 6 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q J 5 WE K 8 7 8 5 WE 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 6 2 S K J 4 K Q 10 6 2 S A J 8 5 ♣ K ♣ A 9 7 6 ♣ 9 4 3 ♣ J 6 2 ♠ J 3 ♠ — ♥ A 3 2 ♥ Q 9 7 4 2 ♦ 8 7 5 ♦ 7 4 3 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ A K Q 8 5

EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 1♣; NS 6♥; NS 6♣; NS 5♠; NS 2N; NS 1♦; Par −420 Par +980 Board 13Board 13 ♠ A 7 6 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ K J 6 5 3 2 North Deals ♥ Q 9 7 6 East Deals ♥ A 4 Both Vul ♦ 10 2 None Vul ♦ K 4 ♣ 7 6 4 ♣ A Q 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 8 N Q J 4 2 Q 7 N 10 9 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J WE A 4 J 7 6 WE K 8 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K Q J 9 7 5 S A 6 4 3 10 9 8 S A 7 6 5 3 ♣ Q J 3 ♣ A 9 5 ♣ J 8 7 4 2 ♣ 6 5 ♠ 9 3 ♠ A 8 4 ♥ K 10 8 5 3 2 ♥ Q 10 9 3 ♦ 8 ♦ Q J 2 ♣ K 10 8 2 ♣ K 10 9

EW 4♠; EW 5♦; EW 2N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; N 6N; N 6♠; S 5N; S 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; Par −620 NS 3♦; Par +990

Board 15Board 15 ♠ A 4 2 Board 16Board 16 ♠ A Q J 9 5 2 The N/S auction rates to start: 1♠–2♥; 4♦. North would be just South Deals ♥ 10 9 6 4 West Deals ♥ A K J 3 about worth a further try over a signoff, but South has enough N-S Vul ♦ A 10 3 E-W Vul ♦ 9 to do more at his second turn. A cuebid of 5♣ might be sensible, ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ 10 7 since Blackwood with a void is always dangerous. One way or ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ another, I’d anticipate a plurality will reach the heart slam here. 10 9 7 6 5 N K Q 8 K 10 7 N 8 6 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ The defenders do best to play two rounds of diamonds, but with Q J 5 WE K 8 7 8 5 WE 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ hearts and clubs breaking, there is no defense to 12 tricks. In fact, Q 9 6 2 S K J 4 K Q 10 6 2 S A J 8 5 ♣ K ♣ A 9 7 6 ♣ 9 4 3 ♣ J 6 2 there may be quite a few pairs bringing home the overtrick after ♠ J 3 ♠ — an unsuccessful opening lead. ♥ A 3 2 ♥ Q 9 7 4 2 ♦ 8 7 5 ♦ 7 4 3 ♣ Q J 10 4 3 ♣ A K Q 8 5

EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 1♣; NS 6♥; NS 6♣; NS 5♠; NS 2N; NS 1♦; Par −420 BoardP 17Board 17ar +980 ♠ Q J 10 7 A very few NorthsBoard 18Board 18might open their♠ A 8hand. 5 2 If so N/S may climb ♠ ♠ BoardNorth Deals17Board 17 ♥ Q10 J2 10 7 to 3NT, whenBoardEast the Deals defenders 18Board 18 will♥ haveA9 68 5to 2 be careful to cash out ♥ ♥ NorthNone VulDeals ♦ 10A K2 8 6 3 accurately. IfEastN-S North VulDeals passes, East♦ also9A 6K has 5J 7 2an opener of sorts, ♦ ♦ None Vul ♣ A10 K 6 8 6 3 as indeed doesN-S South. Vul The latter♣ willAK K surely J 7 2 bid 1♥ if given the ♣ ♣ ♠ K 9 8 5 2 10 6 ♠ A 6 4 chance, and that should♠ Q J let N/S endK up safely♠ K 9in 4 partscore. No- ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ K3 9 8 5 2 N ♥ AQ 68 47 6 4 trump produces at♥ leastQA QJ J+120, 8 while Ndiamonds♥ K 910 makes 4 3 +110 or ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ 310 5 2 WE♦ QJ 48 7 6 4 +130. This is a splendid♦ A10 Q 9 pairs J4 8 deal,WE as the overtricks♦ KQ 106 53 in diamonds ♦ 10 5 2 S ♦ J 4 ♦ 10 9 4 S ♦ Q 6 5 ♣ K Q 8 3 S ♣ A 7 2 or notrump are worth♣ Q their8 3 2 weight inS gold.♣ AndJ 7 5Wests 4 who come ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ K Q 8 3 ♠ 3 A 7 2 to seven tricks in 2♠Q could 8 3 2 score♠ surprisingly10 7 6 3 J 7well. 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♥ 3A K J 9 5 ♥ 107 4 7 2 6 3 ♥ ♥ ♦ AQ K9 J7 9 5 ♦ 78 43 2 ♦ ♦ ♣ QJ 99 57 4 ♣ 8A 310 9 6 ♣ J 9 5 4 ♣ A 10 9 6 NS 4♦; NS 2N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par +130 NS 2♠; EW 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: ♦ ♠ ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ NS 4 ; NS 2N; EW 1 ; NS 1 ; Par +130 NS 2EW 2N×−1; EW 1N; NS 1 ; EW 1 ; Par +100: Board 17Board 17 ♠ Q J 10 7 Board 18Board 18 ♠ A 8 5 2 Many Wests will openEW 2N×−1 1♥ in third seat, both for the lead and for North Deals ♥ 10 2 East Deals ♥ 9 6 5 its obstructive effect. While North has a comfortable overcall of None Vul ♦ A K 8 6 3 N-S Vul ♦ A K J 7 2 1♦ over a 1♣ opener, he might double 1♥, hoping to survive a ♣ 10 6 ♣ K response in clubs, rather than overcall 2♦ and potentially lose the ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 8 5 2 N A 6 4 Q J N K 9 4 spades. Either way, E/W have two playable strains at the two level, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ while N/S can scramble eight tricks in spades. Best in 2♠ is to 3 WE Q 8 7 6 4 A Q J 8 WE K 10 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ duck a trump, then cash ♠A and cross-ruff. Collecting +110 would 10 5 2 S J 4 10 9 4 S Q 6 5 ♣ K Q 8 3 ♣ A 7 2 ♣ Q 8 3 2 ♣ J 7 5 4 be a fine result for N/S; in practice, though, any plus score will ♠ 3 ♠ 10 7 6 3 matchpoint reasonably. ♥ A K J 9 5 ♥ 7 4 2 ♦ Q 9 7 ♦ 8 3 ♣ J 9 5 4 ♣ A 10 9 6

NS 4♦; NS 2N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par +130 NS 2♠; EW 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: BoardEW 2N×−1 19Board 19 ♠ A Q J 6 Board 20Board 20 ♠ — ♠ There will be plenty of preempts♠ here, from 2♦ (wild) to 3♦ BoardSouth Deals19Board 19 ♥ A9 Q J 6 BoardWest Deals 20Board 20 ♥ —A K 8 6 5 ♥ (wilder). At this vulnerability many♥ will ignore the poor suit SouthE-W Vul Deals ♦ 9J 8 5 2 WestBoth VulDeals ♦ AQ K10 8 4 6 3 5 ♦ and side four-card major. Would♦ they be right to do so? Yes, in E-W Vul ♣ J 810 5 5 2 3 Both Vul ♣ Q 10J 10 4 83 ♣ abstract, because E/W can make♣ 3NT; but — and it is a huge “but” ♠ K 10 5 2 J 10 5 3 ♠ 9 8 4 3 ♠ K Q 7 2 Q J 10 8 ♠ 10 6 3 ♠ N ♠ — both major-suit ♠games are doomed.N Given♠ that 5♦ doubled ♥ KJ 1010 65 32 2 N ♥ 9A 8Q 4 8 3 ♥ KJ 4Q 7 2 N ♥ 10Q 106 37 3 ♥ WE♥ goes for at least 300♥ (unscramblingWE the top♥ trump honors may ♦ JK 10 6 3 2 WE♦ A Q7 8 ♦ J 46 5 WE♦ Q9 210 7 3 ♦ K S ♦ A 7 be harder than it looks♦ J 6 for 5 the defenders!),S ♦ the9 2 preempt figures to ♣ K Q 6 S ♣ A 9 8 4 ♣ K 5 3 2 S ♣ A 9 7 4 ♣ ♣ work out far worse♣ than expected. 4♥ or 4♣♠ down at least 100 K Q 6 ♠ 7 A 9 8 4 K 5 3 2 ♠ A J 9 8 5 4A 9 7 4 ♠ rates to be a very normal entry on♠ the traveler. ♥ 7K 7 5 4 ♥ A9 2J 9 8 5 4 ♥ ♥ ♦ KQ 710 5 94 6 4 3 ♦ 9A 2K 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♣ Q7 210 9 6 4 3 ♣ A6 K 8 7 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 6 EW 3N; EW 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 2♦; EW 2♣; NS 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 2N; NS 2♣; ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ EW 3N;Par −300: EW 3 NS 4;♦ EW 2×−2 ; NS 2 ; EW 2 ; NS 3Par +140; NS 3 ; NS 4 ; NS 2N; NS 2 ; Board 19Board 19 ♠ A Q J 6 BoardPar −300: 20Board 20 NS 4♠♦—×−2 Par +140 South Deals ♥ 9 West Deals ♥ A K 8 6 5 E-W Vul ♦ J 8 5 2 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 4 3 ♣ J 10 5 3 ♣ Q J 10 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 5 2 N 9 8 4 3 K Q 7 2 N 10 6 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 10 6 3 2 WE A Q 8 J 4 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K S A 7 J 6 5 S 9 2 ♣ K Q 6 ♣ A 9 8 4 ♣ K 5 3 2 ♣ A 9 7 4 ♠ 7 ♠ A J 9 8 5 4 ♥ K 7 5 4 ♥ 9 2 ♦ Q 10 9 6 4 3 ♦ A K 8 7 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 6

EW 3N; EW 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 2♦; EW 2♣; NS 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 2N; NS 2♣; Par −300: NS 4♦×−2 Par +140 Board 17Board 17 ♠ Q J 10 7 Board 18Board 18 ♠ A 8 5 2 North Deals ♥ 10 2 East Deals ♥ 9 6 5 None Vul ♦ A K 8 6 3 N-S Vul ♦ A K J 7 2 ♣ 10 6 ♣ K ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 8 5 2 N A 6 4 Q J N K 9 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 3 WE Q 8 7 6 4 A Q J 8 WE K 10 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 5 2 S J 4 10 9 4 S Q 6 5 ♣ K Q 8 3 ♣ A 7 2 ♣ Q 8 3 2 ♣ J 7 5 4 ♠ 3 ♠ 10 7 6 3 ♥ A K J 9 5 ♥ 7 4 2 ♦ Q 9 7 ♦ 8 3 ♣ J 9 5 4 ♣ A 10 9 6

NS 4♦; NS 2N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par +130 NS 2♠; EW 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: EW 2N×−1

Board 19Board 19 ♠ A Q J 6 Board 20Board 20 ♠ — Though both North and South have full, shapely openers, no game South Deals ♥ 9 West Deals ♥ A K 8 6 5 their way is that attractive. If South declares 3NT, the defenders E-W Vul ♦ J 8 5 2 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 4 3 must set up their major-suit winners early to set him. 3NT by ♣ J 10 5 3 ♣ Q J 10 8 North may be even harder to beat, since the closed hand’s club ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ honors are concealed. The defenders must avoid attacking clubs, K 10 5 2 N 9 8 4 3 K Q 7 2 N 10 6 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ or declarer will be in fine shape. As for the suit games, 4♥ needs J 10 6 3 2 WE A Q 8 J 4 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ trumps 3–3, 4♠ has four top losers, and the defense of early K S A 7 J 6 5 S 9 2 ♣ K Q 6 ♣ A 9 8 4 ♣ K 5 3 2 ♣ A 9 7 4 trump leads prevents a successful cross-ruff in 5♦. So you’d ♠ 7 ♠ A J 9 8 5 4 presume small penalties will be the norm here. ♥ K 7 5 4 ♥ 9 2 ♦ Q 10 9 6 4 3 ♦ A K 8 7 ♣ 7 2 ♣ 6

EW 3N; EW 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 2♦; EW 2♣; NS 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 2N; NS 2♣; ♦ Par −300: NS 4 ×−2 BoardPar +140 21Board 21 ♠ A 10 6 4 2 South hasBoard two strategies 22Board 22 after♠ EastJ 7 3 overcalls 2♣ over North’s ♠ ♠ NorthBoard Deals21Board 21 ♥ A 410 2 6 4 2 1♠ opener.EastBoard A mixed Deals 22Board 22 raise — if♥ one6J 7 is3 available — is on point; ♥ ♥ N-SNorth Vul Deals ♦ 8A 54 2 South hasE-WEast too muchDealsVul to raise preemptively.♦ 96 7 6 3 An alternative is ♦ ♦ N-S Vul ♣ K8 5J 5 to bid 2♠,E-W planning Vul to compete♣ Q9 to 710 63 8♠3 7 if4 pushed. East may ♣ ♣ ♠ K 8 7 5 K J 5 ♠ — balance over 2♠♠ withQ 10 2NT,6 4 2 for theQ 10 minors, 8 7 ♠4 8 but 5 will probably ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ K 108 7 8 5 6 N ♥ Q— 9 3 sell out to 3♠. Declarer♥ 9Q 510 4 6 2 has4 2 just eightN tricks♥ A8 5 Kin J 3 10♠, unless the ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ JK 910 3 8 6 WE♦ KQ Q9 36 2 defenders slip. Equally,♦ J9 5 4 2a club partscoreWE♦ hasA QK only J10 10 three top ♦ J 9 3 S ♦ K Q 6 2 ♦ J 5 S ♦ A Q 10 ♣ 4 3 S ♣ A Q 9 8 6 2 losers, but achieving♣ K J +130 might needS East♣ A to9 6 locate 2 one or ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 4 3 ♠ Q J 9 3 A Q 9 8 6 2 both of the ♥J orK ♦ J10, and quite♠ A Ka 9few pairsA 9 will6 2 not succeed. ♠ ♠ ♥ JQ 7J 59 3 ♥ QA K8 79 3 ♥ ♥ ♦ AJ 710 5 7 4 ♦ KQ 88 47 23 ♦ ♦ ♣ 10A 107 7 4 ♣ 5K 38 4 2 ♣ 10 7 ♣ 5 3 W 3♥; EW 4♣; E 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 1N; NS 1♠; E 3N; EW 3♠; EW 3♥; W 2N; E 1♦; EW 1♣; ♥ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Par −140W 3 ; EW 4 ; E 2 ; EW 3 ; NS 1N; NS 1 ; Par −600E 3N; EW 3 ; EW 3 ; W 2N; E 1 ; EW 1 ; Board 21Board 21 ♠ A 10 6 4 2 BoardPar −140 22Board 22 ♠ J 7 3 When South doublesPar −600 1♣, it should not stop E/W from locating North Deals ♥ A 4 2 East Deals ♥ 6 their heart fit and playing game in that denomination. 4♥ by N-S Vul ♦ 8 5 E-W Vul ♦ 9 7 6 3 East, with the diamond tenace protected, stands an excellent ♣ K J 5 ♣ Q 10 8 7 4 theoretical chance of success. But with every minor-suit honor ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 8 7 5 N — Q 10 6 4 2 N 8 5 offside, passive defense (playing on clubs at every turn, or taking ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ the top spades and exiting in that suit) leaves declarer with too K 10 8 6 WE Q 9 3 9 5 4 2 WE A K J 10 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ much to do. If the defenders ever open up a red suit, then East J 9 3 S K Q 6 2 J 5 S A Q 10 ♣ 4 3 ♣ A Q 9 8 6 2 ♣ K J ♣ A 9 6 2 can come home easily enough. Curiously, 3NT by East cannot be ♠ Q J 9 3 ♠ A K 9 defeated. ♥ J 7 5 ♥ Q 8 7 3 ♦ A 10 7 4 ♦ K 8 4 2 ♣ 10 7 ♣ 5 3

W 3♥; EW 4♣; E 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 1N; NS 1♠; E 3N; EW 3♠; EW 3♥; W 2N; E 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −140 BoardPar −600 23Board 23 ♠ J 9 6 5 Board 24Board 24 ♠ 9 6 ♠ Optimistic Souths will open 2♣♠, since they almost have game SouthBoard Deals23Board 23 ♥ AJ 99 68 55 3 WestBoard Deals 24Board 24 ♥ Q9 6J 10 3 ♥ in hand; others may prefer to start♥ with 1♠, then jump shift in BothSouth Vul Deals ♦ 10A 92 8 5 3 NoneWest DealsVul ♦ Q 10J 10 8 3 ♦ diamonds. When the spade fit♦ comes to light, it will be hard to Both Vul ♣ Q10 92 None Vul ♣ 7Q 610 4 83 ♣ hold South back from using Blackwood♣ and driving to slam. That ♠ Q 10 Q 9 ♠ 8 ♠ A Q 8 2 7 6 4 3 ♠ J 7 5 4 3 ♠ N ♠ is especially so if♠ he can be sure hisN side ♠has at least 10 trumps, ♥ Q 10 7 4 2 N ♥ J8 6 ♥ 5A 2Q 8 2 N ♥ AJ 78 57 46 34 ♥ WE♥ when the possession♥ or absenceWE of the trump♥ queen is far less ♦ 7Q 410 7 4 2 WE♦ AJ 69 6 5 ♦ K5 26 5 WE♦ 4A 28 7 6 4 ♦ 7 4 S ♦ A 9 6 5 important. Every♦ declarerK 6 5 is going toS take♦ 124 2tricks, I imagine. ♣ K 10 8 2 S ♣ J 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ A K 5 2 S ♣ Q ♣ ♣ However, the difference♣ between reaching♣ slam and not doing K 10 8 2 ♠ A K 7 4 3 2J 7 6 5 4 3 A K 5 2 ♠ K 10 Q ♠ so will swing about half a top. ♠ ♥ KA K 7 4 3 2 ♥ K 910 ♥ ♥ ♦ K Q J 8 3 ♦ AK 9J 9 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♣ AK Q J 8 3 ♣ JA 10J 99 78 3 ♣ A ♣ J 10 9 8 NS 6♠; NS 6♦; NS 3N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 2♣; EW 1♦; ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ Par +1430NS 6 ; NS 6 ; NS 3N; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; PEW 5ar −450; EW 4N; EW 3 ; EW 2 ; EW 1 ; Board 23Board 23 ♠ J 9 6 5 BoardPar +1430 24Board 24 ♠ 9 6 Par −450 South Deals ♥ A 9 8 5 3 West Deals ♥ Q J 10 3 Both Vul ♦ 10 2 None Vul ♦ Q 10 8 ♣ Q 9 ♣ 7 6 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 N 8 A Q 8 2 N J 7 5 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 10 7 4 2 WE J 6 5 2 WE A 8 7 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 7 4 S A 9 6 5 K 6 5 S 4 2 ♣ K 10 8 2 ♣ J 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ A K 5 2 ♣ Q ♠ A K 7 4 3 2 ♠ K 10 ♥ K ♥ K 9 ♦ K Q J 8 3 ♦ A J 9 7 3 ♣ A ♣ J 10 9 8

NS 6♠; NS 6♦; NS 3N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 2♣; EW 1♦; Par +1430 Par −450 Board 21Board 21 ♠ A 10 6 4 2 Board 22Board 22 ♠ J 7 3 North Deals ♥ A 4 2 East Deals ♥ 6 N-S Vul ♦ 8 5 E-W Vul ♦ 9 7 6 3 ♣ K J 5 ♣ Q 10 8 7 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 8 7 5 N — Q 10 6 4 2 N 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 10 8 6 WE Q 9 3 9 5 4 2 WE A K J 10 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 9 3 S K Q 6 2 J 5 S A Q 10 ♣ 4 3 ♣ A Q 9 8 6 2 ♣ K J ♣ A 9 6 2 ♠ Q J 9 3 ♠ A K 9 ♥ J 7 5 ♥ Q 8 7 3 ♦ A 10 7 4 ♦ K 8 4 2 ♣ 10 7 ♣ 5 3

W 3♥; EW 4♣; E 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 1N; NS 1♠; E 3N; EW 3♠; EW 3♥; W 2N; E 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −140 Par −600

Board 23Board 23 ♠ J 9 6 5 Board 24Board 24 ♠ 9 6 Whatever East does in response to a strong notrump, he should South Deals ♥ A 9 8 5 3 West Deals ♥ Q J 10 3 locate the spade fit, then drive to game. (He cannot work out if Both Vul ♦ 10 2 None Vul ♦ Q 10 8 the two hands fit nicely, so he might as well follow the route with ♣ Q 9 ♣ 7 6 4 3 the highest return if he is correct.) North has a logical heart lead, ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ after which declarer will take the ♥A and might then unblock Q 10 N 8 A Q 8 2 N J 7 5 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ clubs and play a spade to the ... ace? He can then pitch dummy’s Q 10 7 4 2 WE J 6 5 2 WE A 8 7 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ diamonds and give up a heart; this line produces 11 tricks. If West 7 4 S A 9 6 5 K 6 5 S 4 2 ♣ K 10 8 2 ♣ J 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ A K 5 2 ♣ Q risks the trump finesse, he might go down against a hostile lie of ♠ A K 7 4 3 2 ♠ K 10 the cards but will end up with 12 tricks today. ♥ K ♥ K 9 ♦ K Q J 8 3 ♦ A J 9 7 3 ♣ A ♣ J 10 9 8

NS 6♠; NS 6♦; NS 3N; NS 2♥; EW 1♣; EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 2♣; EW 1♦; Par +1430 BoardP 25Board 25ar −450 ♠ J 7 3 Most Wests whoBoard do 26Board 26 not have a death♠ J 10 wish 8 will pass South’s ♠ ♠ BoardNorth Deals25Board 25 ♥ AJ 79 38 7 6 1♥ opener. ABoardEast Drury Deals 26Board 26sequence of♥ someJA 109 7 8sort will then see South ♥ ♥ NorthE-W Vul Deals ♦ KA Q9 810 7 6 declare 4♥ onEastBoth an DealsVulunrevealing auction,♦ AK 69 37 leaving 2 West the choice of ♦ ♦ E-W Vul ♣ 10K Q 4 10 three plausibleBoth side-suit Vul leads. If♣ EastKA 6K has3J 2 doubled a 2♣ call, the ♣ ♣ ♠ Q 10 5 2 10 4 ♠ K 9 6 choice is easy. If not,♠ Qa 9diamond 7 4 3 looksA K Jreasonable.♠ A 6 5 2After a club ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ 2Q 10 5 2 N ♥ 10K 9 4 6 or spade lead, +420♥ wouldQ10 93 7 4 be 3 the expectedN ♥ outcome,AQ 6J 5 2 but after a ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ 72 5 WE♦ J10 8 4 6 2 diamond lead, 11 tricks♦ 10A 8are3 7 straightforward.WE♦ TheQ J10 overtrick 5 9 could be ♦ 7 5 S ♦ J 8 6 2 ♦ A 8 7 S ♦ Q 10 9 ♣ J 8 7 6 5 2 S ♣ A Q 9 3 worth as much as half♣ Q a10 top 3 (though Sthere ♣may9 6 perhaps4 be a few ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ J 8 7 6 5 2 ♠ A 8 4 A Q 9 3 pairs who climb to theQ 10no-play 3 slam).♠ K 9 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♥ KA Q8 4J 5 3 ♥ K 8 6 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♦ AK Q9 4J 35 3 ♦ KJ 58 46 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♣ KA 9 4 3 ♣ J8 57 45 2 ♣ K ♣ 8 7 5 2 NS 5♥; NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 3♥; NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; Par +140 ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ ♠ NS 5Par +450; NS 4 ; EW 3 ; NS 1N; EW 1 ; NS 3 ; NS 3 ; NS 1N; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; Par +140 Board 25Board 25 ♠ J 7 3 BoardPar +450 26Board 26 ♠ J 10 8 Those West cards do not look a third-seat vulnerable opener to North Deals ♥ A 9 8 7 6 East Deals ♥ A 9 7 me — though I admit I may be suffering from presbyopia when E-W Vul ♦ K Q 10 Both Vul ♦ K 6 3 2 I say that. Some will choose a 1♠ or 2♠ call and defend a heart ♣ 10 4 ♣ A K J partscore after a takeout double from North. Most will pass and ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 5 2 N K 9 6 Q 9 7 4 3 N A 6 5 2 let N/S have an unopposed transfer auction to 2♥. They look ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ almost certain to lose a spade, a trump and two diamonds there. 2 WE 10 4 10 3 WE Q J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ You could see a few declarers doing worse; it is hard to see any of 7 5 S J 8 6 2 A 8 7 S Q 10 9 ♣ J 8 7 6 5 2 ♣ A Q 9 3 ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ 9 6 4 the defense’s four winners getting away. For the record, E/W take ♠ A 8 4 ♠ K just six tricks in spades. ♥ K Q J 5 3 ♥ K 8 6 4 2 ♦ A 9 4 3 ♦ J 5 4 ♣ K ♣ 8 7 5 2

NS 5♥; NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 3♥; NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; Par +140 Par +450 Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 Board 28Board 28 ♠ K 10 ♠ If ever you might upgrade a 14-count♠ to open 1NT, it should be this BoardSouth Deals27Board 27 ♥ AJ 64 2 BoardWest Deals 28Board 28 ♥ K 109 ♥ North hand. At this vulnerability,♥ where the aim is often to steal SouthNone VulDeals ♦ JA 6J 10 9 6 WestN-S Vul Deals ♦ KQ 910 8 6 3 2 ♦ the contract, the chunky five-card♦ suit makes 1NT the value call. None Vul ♣ AK J 510 9 6 N-S Vul ♣ QA 610 4 8 6 3 2 ♣ East will want to have a penalty ♣double available; if not, will he go ♠ Q J 8 6 K J 5 ♠ K 7 3 ♠ 4 A 6 4 ♠ J 7 6 5 ♠ N ♠ past the two level on♠ his own? It turnsN out ♠dummy’s limited values ♥ Q10 J5 8 6 N ♥ KA 7K 3Q 9 7 ♥ 4J 7 5 N ♥ J10 7 6 6 4 5 3 2 ♥ WE♥ are really pulling their♥ full weight, WEbut unless♥ the defenders lead ♦ 108 4 5 2 WE♦ AQ K7 5Q 9 7 ♦ JK 7J 59 7 WE♦ 105 6 4 3 2 ♦ 8 4 2 S ♦ Q 7 5 a major suit, eight ♦tricksK J 9look 7 to be theS limit.♦ 5And even if South ♣ 10 9 7 4 S ♣ A 2 ♣ Q J 7 5 2 S ♣ K 10 8 ♣ ♣ doesn’t find the best♣ opening salvo, North♣ can hold East to 110 by 10 9 7 4 ♠ 10 9 5 A 2 Q J 7 5 2 ♠ A Q 9 8 3 2K 10 8 ♠ ducking the ♠A twice. ♠ ♥ 108 4 9 3 5 2 ♥ A Q 98 8 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♦ 8K 43 3 2 ♦ A Q4 8 ♦ ♦ ♣ KQ 38 6 3 ♣ A9 34 ♣ Q 8 6 3 ♣ 9 3 EW 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 2♦; NS 1♣; Par −100: NS 5N; NS 5♠; NS 4♦; NS 2♥; NS 1♣; ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ NS 3EW 2♦×−1; EW 2 ; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; Par −100: NS 5N;Par +660 NS 5 ; NS 4 ; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 BoardNS 3 28Board 28 ♦×−1 ♠ K 10 Par +660 South Deals ♥ J 6 West Deals ♥ K 9 None Vul ♦ A J 10 9 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 8 6 3 2 ♣ K J 5 ♣ A 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 8 6 N K 7 3 4 N J 7 6 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 5 WE A K Q 9 7 J 7 5 WE 10 6 4 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 4 2 S Q 7 5 K J 9 7 S 5 ♣ 10 9 7 4 ♣ A 2 ♣ Q J 7 5 2 ♣ K 10 8 ♠ 10 9 5 ♠ A Q 9 8 3 2 ♥ 8 4 3 2 ♥ A Q 8 ♦ K 3 ♦ A 4 ♣ Q 8 6 3 ♣ 9 3

EW 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 2♦; NS 1♣; Par −100: NS 5N; NS 5♠; NS 4♦; NS 2♥; NS 1♣; NS 3♦×−1 Par +660 Board 25Board 25 ♠ J 7 3 Board 26Board 26 ♠ J 10 8 North Deals ♥ A 9 8 7 6 East Deals ♥ A 9 7 E-W Vul ♦ K Q 10 Both Vul ♦ K 6 3 2 ♣ 10 4 ♣ A K J ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 5 2 N K 9 6 Q 9 7 4 3 N A 6 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 2 WE 10 4 10 3 WE Q J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 7 5 S J 8 6 2 A 8 7 S Q 10 9 ♣ J 8 7 6 5 2 ♣ A Q 9 3 ♣ Q 10 3 ♣ 9 6 4 ♠ A 8 4 ♠ K ♥ K Q J 5 3 ♥ K 8 6 4 2 ♦ A 9 4 3 ♦ J 5 4 ♣ K ♣ 8 7 5 2

NS 5♥; NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 3♥; NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; Par +140 Par +450

Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 Board 28Board 28 ♠ K 10 N/S will have an unopposed auction where South is likely to South Deals ♥ J 6 West Deals ♥ K 9 extract secondary spade support from his partner, then probably None Vul ♦ A J 10 9 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 8 6 3 2 make at least one try for slam. However, a club lead dooms 6♠, ♣ K J 5 ♣ A 6 4 even if spades split. As it is, in 4♠, declarer should duck the first ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ club and play to ruff a club, then cash two top spades to find the Q J 8 6 N K 7 3 4 N J 7 6 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ bad news. Now he cannot quite reduce his trumps sufficiently for 10 5 WE A K Q 9 7 J 7 5 WE 10 6 4 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ a trump coup. That is, unless West cooperates in South’s plan after 8 4 2 S Q 7 5 K J 9 7 S 5 ♣ 10 9 7 4 ♣ A 2 ♣ Q J 7 5 2 ♣ K 10 8 the winning ♦K, by playing a card for declarer to ruff, instead of ♠ 10 9 5 ♠ A Q 9 8 3 2 exiting in hearts. ♥ 8 4 3 2 ♥ A Q 8 ♦ K 3 ♦ A 4 ♣ Q 8 6 3 ♣ 9 3

EW 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 2♦; NS 1♣; Par −100: NS 5N; NS 5♠; NS 4♦; NS 2♥; NS 1♣; ♦ NS 3 ×−1 BoardPar +660 29Board 29 ♠ 6 4 When North Boardopens 30Board 30 1♦, East should♠ Q doubleJ 6 2 rather than overcall ♠ ♠ BoardNorth Deals29Board 29 ♥ 76 24 2♣. He may BoardEastnot haveDeals 30Board 30 four-card ♥supportQ8 6J 56 32 for either major, but he ♥ ♥ NorthBoth Vul Deals ♦ A7 2K Q 10 8 4 must act, andEastNone his Deals clubsVul are not good♦ 89 65 enough5 3 to bid at the two ♦ ♦ Both Vul ♣ QA K7 6Q 10 8 4 level. The auctionNone Vulfigures now to♣ 9Abecome 5Q 2 quite competitive, with ♣ ♣ ♠ J 9 8 5 Q 7 6 ♠ A 7 3 South likely to drive♠ 9to 8 at5 least 4♦A andQ 2 maybe♠ A K to 10 take 7 4 a shot ♠ N ♠ ♠ N ♠ ♥ KJ 9J 89 54 N ♥ QA 710 3 6 at game facing North’s♥ 910 8 7 six-card5 4 suit.N The defense♥ AQ K9 210 to 7 a4 diamond ♥ WE♥ ♥ WE♥ ♦ 9K J 9 4 WE♦ 7Q 210 6 contract should see♦ 10JEast 8 7 7 4 4lead a topWE club and♦ QA shift 109 2 2 to hearts; ♦ 9 S ♦ 7 2 ♦ J 8 7 4 S ♦ A 10 2 ♣ J 10 8 3 S ♣ A K 9 5 4 otherwise, declarer’s♣ 10 slow 7 3 heart loserS vanishes♣ K 5 on dummy’s ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ J 10 8 3 ♠ K Q 10 2 A K 9 5 4 spades. Thus par on 10the 7 3deal is ♠+1303 for N/S.K 5 ♠ ♠ ♥ AK Q8 510 3 2 ♥ 3A K J ♥ ♥ ♦ JA 68 55 33 ♦ AK QK J6 3 ♦ ♦ ♣ 2J 6 5 3 ♣ KJ 9Q 8 6 6 3 4 ♣ 2 ♣ J 9 8 6 4 NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; E 1♠; EW 1♥; Par +130 N 3N; N 3♥; NS 4♣; S 2♥; S 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♥ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ NS 4 ; EW 3 ; NS 1N; E 1 ; EW 1 ; Par +130 N 3N;Par +400 N 3 ; NS 4 ; S 2 ; S 1N; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; Board 29Board 29 ♠ 6 4 Board 30Board 30 ♠ Q J 6 2 East may have a chunkyPar +400 five-card major, but with 16 HCP he North Deals ♥ 7 2 East Deals ♥ 8 6 5 3 should not up-value or down-value his hand out of the 15–17 Both Vul ♦ A K Q 10 8 4 None Vul ♦ 9 5 range. Opening 1♠ would surely force a lie on the next round, ♣ Q 7 6 ♣ A Q 2 so best is to describe the nature of the hand and hope not to ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 9 8 5 N A 7 3 9 8 5 N A K 10 7 4 lose spades. As it is, the 1NT call will buy the pot. South might ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ start with the ♥A, and when North discourages, he should shift K J 9 4 WE Q 10 6 10 7 4 WE Q 9 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ to clubs. Now East will struggle to take more than his four top 9 S 7 2 J 8 7 4 S A 10 2 ♣ J 10 8 3 ♣ A K 9 5 4 ♣ 10 7 3 ♣ K 5 tricks. Since a notrump partscore by North will also fetch +150, ♠ K Q 10 2 ♠ 3 that could be a very common result here. ♥ A 8 5 3 ♥ A K J ♦ J 6 5 3 ♦ K Q 6 3 ♣ 2 ♣ J 9 8 6 4

NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; E 1♠; EW 1♥; Par +130 N 3N; N 3♥; NS 4♣; S 2♥; S 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; BoardPar +400 31Board 31 ♠ Q 9 4 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K J 8 ♠ Most N/S pairs will bid to 3NT, after♠ North produces either an BoardSouth Deals31Board 31 ♥ Q9 29 4 BoardWest Deals 32Board 32 ♥ KQ JJ 8 ♥ inverted 2♦ raise or a 2♣ response.♥ In each case, South might SouthN-S Vul Deals ♦ 9A 2Q 5 4 WestE-W Vul Deals ♦ Q8 4J 3 2 ♦ choose to rebid 2NT as the least♦ lie. If South declares 3NT on a N-S Vul ♣ A Q 5J 84 E-W Vul ♣ 8A 4J 310 2 5 ♣ spade lead, he may win and return♣ the suit. Now East must shift to ♠ 7 6 5 3 A Q J 8 ♠ K J ♠ 10 9 A J 10 5 ♠ 5 2 ♠ N ♠ the ♥10 to set up the♠ defense’s fourthN winner.♠ After an initial heart ♥ 7Q 68 57 33 N ♥ K J10 5 ♥ 10K 3 9 N ♥ 5A 210 8 7 6 2 ♥ WE♥ lead, E/W can take♥ four tricks moreWE easily. ♥Diamonds produces ♦ QJ 8 7 3 WE♦ K 107 6 5 2 ♦ KA 3K Q 9 7 6 WE♦ AJ 1010 8 7 6 2 ♦ J S ♦ K 7 6 2 +600, though on a♦ spadeA K Q lead 9 7 6declarerS must♦ Jdiscard 10 his losing ♣ 10 9 4 2 S ♣ 7 6 5 3 ♣ 8 7 3 S ♣ Q 4 2 ♣ ♣ spades on dummy’s♣ clubs, using the ♦A as♣ the entry to dummy, 10 9 4 2 ♠ A 10 8 2 7 6 5 3 8 7 3 ♠ A Q 7 6 4 3Q 4 2 ♠ then keep East off play for further♠ trump leads. ♥ A 10J 6 8 4 2 ♥ A9 5Q 4 7 6 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♦ A10 J9 6 8 4 3 ♦ 95 5 4 ♦ ♦ ♣ 10K 9 8 3 ♣ 5K 9 6 ♣ K ♣ K 9 6 NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 5♦; N 3♥; S 2♥; N 3♣; NS 4♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; EW 1♥; Par +420 ♠ ♦ ♥ ♥ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♦ ♥ S 2NS 4♣; Par +620; NS 3N; NS 5 ; N 3 ; S 2 ; N 3 ; NS 4 ; NS 4 ; EW 2 ; EW 1 ; Par +420 Board 31Board 31 ♠ Q 9 4 BoardS 2 32Board 32♣; Par +620♠ K J 8 South Deals ♥ 9 2 West Deals ♥ Q J N-S Vul ♦ A Q 5 4 E-W Vul ♦ 8 4 3 2 ♣ A Q J 8 ♣ A J 10 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 6 5 3 N K J 10 9 N 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 7 3 WE K 10 5 K 3 WE A 10 8 7 6 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J S K 7 6 2 A K Q 9 7 6 S J 10 ♣ 10 9 4 2 ♣ 7 6 5 3 ♣ 8 7 3 ♣ Q 4 2 ♠ A 10 8 2 ♠ A Q 7 6 4 3 ♥ A J 6 4 ♥ 9 5 4 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♦ 5 ♣ K ♣ K 9 6

NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 5♦; N 3♥; S 2♥; N 3♣; NS 4♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; EW 1♥; Par +420 S 2♣; Par +620 Board 29Board 29 ♠ 6 4 Board 30Board 30 ♠ Q J 6 2 North Deals ♥ 7 2 East Deals ♥ 8 6 5 3 Both Vul ♦ A K Q 10 8 4 None Vul ♦ 9 5 ♣ Q 7 6 ♣ A Q 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 9 8 5 N A 7 3 9 8 5 N A K 10 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K J 9 4 WE Q 10 6 10 7 4 WE Q 9 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 S 7 2 J 8 7 4 S A 10 2 ♣ J 10 8 3 ♣ A K 9 5 4 ♣ 10 7 3 ♣ K 5 ♠ K Q 10 2 ♠ 3 ♥ A 8 5 3 ♥ A K J ♦ J 6 5 3 ♦ K Q 6 3 ♣ 2 ♣ J 9 8 6 4

NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; E 1♠; EW 1♥; Par +130 N 3N; N 3♥; NS 4♣; S 2♥; S 1N; NS 2♦; NS 1♠; Par +400

Board 31Board 31 ♠ Q 9 4 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K J 8 When West opens 1♦ and East responds 1♥, South can jump to South Deals ♥ 9 2 West Deals ♥ Q J 2♠. East and West now each have a problem as they have extra N-S Vul ♦ A Q 5 4 E-W Vul ♦ 8 4 3 2 shape but a minimum. So while both will want to compete further, ♣ A Q J 8 ♣ A J 10 5 each may decide to go low and sell out. (Using 2NT as good/bad ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 6 5 3 N K J 10 9 N 5 2 would allow either player to take another call). Either way, N/S ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 7 3 WE K 10 5 K 3 WE A 10 8 7 6 2 should buy the hand in spades, be it at the two or three level, on a ♦ J ♦ K 7 6 2 ♦ A K Q 9 7 6 ♦ J 10 S S deal where game hinges on the club finesse. Once West turns up ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 10 9 4 2 7 6 5 3 8 7 3 Q 4 2 with 12 points in the red suits, declarer might be able to locate the ♠ A 10 8 2 ♠ A Q 7 6 4 3 ♣Q from the bidding. ♥ A J 6 4 ♥ 9 5 4 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♦ 5 ♣ K ♣ K 9 6

NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 5♦; N 3♥; S 2♥; N 3♣; NS 4♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; EW 1♥; Par +420 ♣ S 2 ; Par +620 Board 33Board 33 ♠ K J 9 8 4 Board 34Board 34 ♠ K 9 6 3 Board 33Board 33 ♠ K J 9 8 4 East figuresBoard to 34Board 34open 1♣ rather♠ K than9 6 3 1NT, allowing South to overcall North Deals ♥ K Q 8 4 East Deals ♥ 10 9 North Deals ♥ K Q 8 4 1♦. Then WestEast Dealscan introduce♥ 10his 9 hearts and North his spades. After None Vul ♦ 3 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 2 None Vul ♦ 3 a support doubleN-S Vul from East,♦ WestQ 10 2can rebid 1NT — thus technically ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ K 9 4 2 ♣ 8 5 2 achieving par on the board.♣ ThatK 9 4said, 2 South might compete to ♠ 10 7 2 ♠ 6 5 3 ♠ 10 ♠ Q J 5 ♠ 10 7 2 N ♠ 6 5 3 2♠, where seven♠ 10tricks are easyN and eight♠ Q J 5tricks possible if the ♥ 10 9 6 2 N ♥ A J 3 ♥ 5 3 N ♥ A J 7 6 4 2 ♥ 10 9 6 2 WE♥ A J 3 defenders do not♥ 5lead 3 trumpsWE early enough.♥ A J 7 6 If 4 they2 don’t play on ♦ Q 9 6 4 WE♦ A 10 7 ♦ A 7 6 4 WE♦ 9 3 ♦ Q 9 6 4 S ♦ A 10 7 spades, declarer♦ canA 7 6arrange 4 oneS or two♦ 9 3heart ruffs in dummy. After ♣ A J S ♣ K Q 10 7 ♣ Q J 10 7 6 5 S ♣ 8 3 ♣ A J ♣ K Q 10 7 ♣ Q J 10 7 6 5 ♣ 8 3 ♠ A Q a notrump opening from East,♠ A North 8 7 4 2 may show the majors, to get to ♠ A Q ♠ A 8 7 4 2 ♥ 7 5 2♠ by a different route. ♥ K Q 8 ♥ 7 5 ♥ K Q 8 ♦ K J 8 5 2 ♦ K J 8 5 ♦ K J 8 5 2 ♦ K J 8 5 ♣ 9 6 4 3 ♣ A ♣ 9 6 4 3 ♣ A EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par −90 Par +630 Board 33Board 33 ♠ K J 9 8 4 BoardPar −90 34Board 34 ♠ K 9 6 3 Par +630 Board 33Board 33 ♠ K J 9 8 4 Board 34Board 34 ♠ K 9 6 3 South will double East’s normal weak 2♥, hoping to play game North Deals ♥ K Q 8 4 East Deals ♥ 10 9 North Deals ♥ K Q 8 4 East Deals ♥ 10 9 in spades or notrump, depending on how the auction develops. None Vul ♦ 3 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 2 None Vul ♦ 3 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 2 Whether West introduces his clubs or not, North can bid his ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ K 9 4 2 ♣ 8 5 2 ♣ K 9 4 2 spades, letting N/S settle in 4♠, without looking for higher things. ♠ 10 7 2 ♠ 6 5 3 ♠ 10 ♠ Q J 5 ♠ 10 7 2 N ♠ 6 5 3 ♠ 10 N ♠ Q J 5 The defenders have two aces and a trump trick, so N/S are highly ♥ 10 9 6 2 N ♥ A J 3 ♥ 5 3 N ♥ A J 7 6 4 2 ♥ 10 9 6 2 WE♥ A J 3 ♥ 5 3 WE♥ A J 7 6 4 2 unlikely to achieve anything but 620 in spades. Notrump takes 10 ♦ Q 9 6 4 WE♦ A 10 7 ♦ A 7 6 4 WE♦ 9 3 ♦ Q 9 6 4 S ♦ A 10 7 ♦ A 7 6 4 S ♦ 9 3 tricks easily on a heart lead, but life is harder on a club lead. Now ♣ A J S ♣ K Q 10 7 ♣ Q J 10 7 6 5 S ♣ 8 3 ♣ A J ♣ K Q 10 7 ♣ Q J 10 7 6 5 ♣ 8 3 ♠ A Q ♠ A 8 7 4 2 declarer has to drive out the ♦A to dislodge West’s entry before ♠ A Q ♠ A 8 7 4 2 ♥ 7 5 ♥ K Q 8 playing on either major. ♥ 7 5 ♥ K Q 8 ♦ K J 8 5 2 ♦ K J 8 5 ♦ K J 8 5 2 ♦ K J 8 5 ♣ 9 6 4 3 ♣ A ♣ 9 6 4 3 ♣ A EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; EW 1N; NS 1♠; EW 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par −90 BoardPar +630 35Board 35 ♠ A J 7 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ 8 7 6 5 Par −90 BoardPar +630 35Board 35 ♠ A J 7 2 In third seatBoard North 36Board 36 will open♠ 1♦8 7, and6 5 East ought to pass, letting N/S South Deals ♥ K 10 7 West Deals ♥ A 10 9 South Deals ♥ K 10 7 West Deals ♥ A 10 9 E-W Vul ♦ Q J 8 7 6 2 find their Bothheart Vul fit. However,♦ J 10North 9 2 has an awkward choice of rebids; E-W Vul ♦ Q J 8 7 6 2 Both Vul ♦ J 10 9 2 ♣ — does he emphasize his own ♣suits,K 5 or support hearts? The eight-card ♣ — ♣ K 5 ♠ Q 10 8 ♠ K 5 4 3 diamond fit plays♠ Q 9much 2 better than the♠ 10 4Moysian 3 heart fit, while ♠ Q 10 8 N ♠ K 5 4 3 ♠ Q 9 2 N ♠ 10 4 3 ♥ 9 8 6 4 N ♥ J 2 notrump will prove♥ K Qhighly 8 7 6 2unsuccessfulN ♥ 5 if 3 the defenders go after the ♥ 9 8 6 4 WE♥ J 2 ♥ K Q 8 7 6 2 WE♥ 5 3 ♦ 10 3 WE♦ A 5 4 weak spots in the♦ A black K 7 suits. WEA few E/W♦ Q 8pairs 6 5 4 may find clubs and ♦ 10 3 S ♦ A 5 4 ♦ A K 7 S ♦ Q 8 6 5 4 ♣ A J 9 7 S ♣ K Q 8 5 regret it. They should♣ 9 take no moreS than♣ J 7seven 6 tricks, assuming the ♣ A J 9 7 ♣ K Q 8 5 ♣ 9 ♣ J 7 6 ♠ 9 6 defenders do not allow declarer♠ A K a J scramble or cross-ruff. ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K J ♥ A Q 5 3 ♥ J 4 ♥ A Q 5 3 ♥ J 4 ♦ K 9 ♦ 3 ♦ K 9 ♦ 3 ♣ 10 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 4 3 2 ♣ 10 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 4 3 2 NS 4♦; NS 2♥; N 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +130 NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 2♠; Par +630 NS 4♦; NS 2♥; N 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +130 NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 2♠; Par +630 Board 35Board 35 ♠ A J 7 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ 8 7 6 5 Board 35Board 35 ♠ A J 7 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ 8 7 6 5 South can balance over West’s 1♥ by jumping to 3♣ to show 13–16 South Deals ♥ K 10 7 West Deals ♥ A 10 9 South Deals ♥ K 10 7 West Deals ♥ A 10 9 with a good long suit. Now North has an ideal hand to gamble 3NT. E-W Vul ♦ Q J 8 7 6 2 Both Vul ♦ J 10 9 2 E-W Vul ♦ Q J 8 7 6 2 Both Vul ♦ J 10 9 2 With length in his weak suits, he can see he is likely to have decent ♣ — ♣ K 5 ♣ — ♣ K 5 ♠ Q 10 8 ♠ K 5 4 3 ♠ Q 9 2 ♠ 10 4 3 play for nine winners. Indeed, only a diamond lead from East holds ♠ Q 10 8 N ♠ K 5 4 3 ♠ Q 9 2 N ♠ 10 4 3 ♥ 9 8 6 4 N ♥ J 2 ♥ K Q 8 7 6 2 N ♥ 5 3 North to 430. If East tries a heart, West is squeezed dry on the ♥ 9 8 6 4 WE♥ J 2 ♥ K Q 8 7 6 2 WE♥ 5 3 ♦ 10 3 WE♦ A 5 4 ♦ A K 7 WE♦ Q 8 6 5 4 run of the clubs. To keep the major-suits guarded, he must discard ♦ 10 3 S ♦ A 5 4 ♦ A K 7 S ♦ Q 8 6 5 4 ♣ A J 9 7 S ♣ K Q 8 5 ♣ 9 S ♣ J 7 6 both top diamonds. Now declarer exits in diamonds, forcing East to ♣ A J 9 7 ♣ K Q 8 5 ♣ 9 ♣ J 7 6 ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K J return one major or the other. West can next be endplayed with a ♠ 9 6 ♠ A K J ♥ A Q 5 3 ♥ J 4 heart to concede 11 tricks. ♥ A Q 5 3 ♥ J 4 ♦ K 9 ♦ 3 ♦ K 9 ♦ 3 ♣ 10 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 4 3 2 ♣ 10 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 10 8 4 3 2 NS 4♦; NS 2♥; N 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +130 NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 2♠; Par +630 NS 4♦; NS 2♥; N 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +130 NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 2♠; Par +630