THE 33RD ANNUAL ACBL-WIDE

6575 Windchase Blvd. Horn Lake MS 38637-1523 acbl.org/IMG

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Printed in the USA by ACBL. Larry Cohen of Delray Beach FL is one of the leading players, teachers and writers in . He has won 25 North American Championships, most with partners Marty Bergen 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 three columns in ACBL’s the Bulletin (The Real Deal, Bidding Basics and It’s Your Call). Larry writes and teaches (often on luxury cruise ships) bridge full time. His website, larryco.com, has hundreds of free instructional articles. 1 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE None Vul N-S Match- Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 5 4 Board Score 2Board 2 points ♠ Q J 9 North Deals ♥ A 4 East Deals ♥ 4 2 None Vul ♦ A Q 8 3 N-S VulBoard 1 ♦ 6 3 2 ♣ Q 8 4 100 ♣ K 10 7 6 4 470 99 ♠ K 7 2 ♠ 6 3 ♠ 10 8 ♠ 5 4 2 N 300 98 N ♥ K Q 10 ♥ J 8 7 6 3 2 ♥ Q 5 3 ♥ A K J 9 8 WE 170 97 WE ♦ K J 7 6 ♦ 9 ♦ K Q 8 7 ♦ 10 9 S 150 95 S ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ A J 10 9 7 5 2 140Q 9 3 2 85 A 8 5 ♠ ♠ A Q 9 8 120 75 A K 7 6 3 ♥ ♥ 9 5 110 68 10 7 6 ♦ 10 5 4 2 100 57 ♦ A J 5 4 ♣ K 6 3 90 54 ♣ J 50 46 NS 3♠; EW 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: -50EW 2 ♥; NS 1 30♠; EW 1♣; Par −110 EW 4♥×−1 -100 18 -140 9 -150 2 West North East South -530 1 1♦ Pass 1♠ 0 1NT 2♠ ??

Maybe the younger crowd 2♥ (or worse, 3♥) with the East hand, but most people reading this booklet are over 60, so we’ll go with a disciplined pass. West’s 1NT is natural, but be careful (some partnerships play it as a light takeout for the unbid suits). North, in spite of the minimum, should raise with the four-card support. East now wants to show the hearts, but 3♥ would/should Board 3Board 3 ♠ A 10 8 6 Board 4Board 4 ♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 be forcing. If the pair uses (2NT South Deals ♥ Q 9 West Deals ♥ 7 5 4 relays to 3♣), a delayed 3♥ can be reached. E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 8 7 5 Both Vul ♦ 2 It isn’t clear North or South would disturb that ♣ 2 ♣ J 7 2 contract which makes with the loss of just ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ oneQ trickJ 9 4 in each suit.N If North-South5 realized 8 N K 7 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ theirJ 3 opponents WEhad nine trumps,10 8 2 the Law Q 9 3 WE A K J 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ of KTotal J 3 Tricks wouldS suggestQ competing6 4 2 to A 8 7 5 4 3 S K Q 6 ♣3♠A. ThatJ 10 6contract would likely♣ K Q fail 9 8by 3 a trick, ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ 3 though it might♠ makeK 7 3 with2 an and/or ♠ A Q a spectacular guess♥ A K in 7 diamonds.6 5 4 ♥ 8 2 ♦ — ♦ J 10 9 ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ A K Q 9 6 5

NS 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 2N; NS 2♦; EW 11 ♣; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♠; Par −650 Par +450 Board 2 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 5 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ Q J 9 Score points North Deals ♥ A 4 East Deals ♥ 4 2 None Vul ♦ A Q 8 3 N-S Vul ♦ 6 3 2 Board 2 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ K 10 7 6 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 2 N 6 3 10 8 N 5 4 2 670 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 300 98 K Q 10 WE J 8 7 6 3 2 Q 5 3 WE A K J 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 140 95 K J 7 6 S 9 K Q 8 7 S 10 9 ♣ A J 10 ♣ 9 7 5 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ A 8 5 110 91 ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ A K 7 6 3 100 88 ♥ 9 5 ♥ 10 7 6 50 78 ♦ 10 5 4 2 ♦ A J 5 4 -100 54 -110 36 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ J -140 30 -170 23 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ ♣ NS 3 ; EW 3 ; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; Par +100: EW 2 ; NS 1 ; EW 1 ; Par −110 -200 13 ♥ EW 4 ×−1 -300 2 -500 1 West North East South 0 1♥ 1♠ 2♥ 2♠ Pass Pass 3♥ Pass Pass ??

Back-to-back competitive major-suit partscore auctions to begin! Here, each side has eight trumps, which normally argues for going to 3♥ (as West did) to get the opponents out of their two-level contract. But, it suggests that once the opponents are in three, don’t go to three yourself (unless there are extenuating circumstances). Also ♠ ♠ Board 3Board 3 A 10 8 6 Boardpossible 4Board 4 is for WestJ 10 to 9 treat6 5 4 his hand as a ♥ ♥ South Deals Q 9 Westlimit-or-better Deals raise7 5 and4 to start with 2♠. ♦ ♦ E-W Vul A 10 9 8 7 5 BothThe Vul play in either2 major is complicated. ♣ 2 Should the defense♣ J 7 lead2 ? Should ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 9 4 N 5 South8 lead the singletonN clubK against7 3 2 a heart ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 3 WE 10 8 2 contract?Q 9 3 I must WEconfess, thatA IK had J 10 to 6 look at ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 3 S Q 6 4 2 theA double 8 7 5 4 dummy 3 Sanalysis toK Qsee 6 who can ♣ A J 10 6 ♣ K Q 9 8 3 ♣really10 8 make 4 what. ♣ 3 ♠ K 7 3 2 ♠ A Q ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 ♥ 8 2 ♦ — ♦ J 10 9 ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ A K Q 9 6 5

NS 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 2N; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♠; Par −6502 Par +450 Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 5 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ Q J 9 North Deals ♥ A 4 East Deals ♥ 4 2 None Vul ♦ A Q 8 3 N-S Vul ♦ 6 3 2 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ K 10 7 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 2 N 6 3 10 8 N 5 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 10 WE J 8 7 6 3 2 Q 5 3 WE A K J 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 7 6 S 9 K Q 8 7 S 10 9 ♣ A J 10 ♣ 9 7 5 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ A 8 5 ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ A K 7 6 3 ♥ 9 5 ♥ 10 7 6 ♦ 10 5 4 2 ♦ A J 5 4 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ J

NS 3♠; EW 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: EW 2♥; NS 1♠; EW 1♣; Par −110 EW 4♥×−1

Board 3 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 3Board 3 ♠ A 10 8 6 BoardScore 4Board 4 points ♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 South Deals ♥ Q 9 West Deals ♥ 7 5 4 E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 8 7 5 BothBoard Vul 3 ♦ 2 ♣ 2 100 ♣ J 7 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 9 4 N 5 5908 99 N K 7 3 2 ♥ ♥ 5♥10 98 ♥ J 3 WE 10 8 2 Q 9 3 WE A K J 10 6 ♦ ♦ 5♦00 97 ♦ K J 3 S Q 6 4 2 A 8 7 5 4 3 S K Q 6 ♣ A J 10 6 ♣ K Q 9 8 3 480♣ 10 8 4 92 ♣ 3 ♠ K 7 3 2 450 77 ♠ A Q ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 420 54 ♥ 8 2 ♦ — 260 43 ♦ J 10 9 230 41 ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ A K Q 9 6 5 200 31 180 23 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ NS 5 ; NS 4 ; NS 2N; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; 17EW 50 ; EW 5 16 ; NS 3 ; NS 1 ; Par −650 Par +450 140 10 110 8 West North East South 100 6 1♥ 90 5 Dbl Redbl 2♣ 2♥ -50 4 Pass 4♥ All Pass -100 2 -150 1 South surely has enough shape/strength 0 to open on the one level. In spite of the unfavorable vulnerability, West should enter with a double as shown. North is out for blood, but East has an easy 2♣ bid. South’s direct 2♥ is a weak action in such an auction (with a good hand, South would pass and either sit for a double or bid later). West would survive 3♣ but that would be reckless (his partner could have zero!). North knows of at least an eight- card fit and raises to game. West likely leads the ♠Q, which turns out to make life easy for South. Still, if declarer tries to a club in dummy, the defense can get a spade ruff — but 11 tricks are normal.

3 Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 5 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ Q J 9 North Deals ♥ A 4 East Deals ♥ 4 2 None Vul ♦ A Q 8 3 N-S Vul ♦ 6 3 2 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ K 10 7 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 2 N 6 3 10 8 N 5 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 10 WE J 8 7 6 3 2 Q 5 3 WE A K J 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 7 6 S 9 K Q 8 7 S 10 9 ♣ A J 10 ♣ 9 7 5 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ A 8 5 ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ A K 7 6 3 ♥ 9 5 ♥ 10 7 6 ♦ 10 5 4 2 ♦ A J 5 4 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ J

NS 3♠; EW 3♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; Par +100: EW 2♥; NS 1♠; EW 1♣; Par −110 EW 4♥×−1

Board 4 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals Both Vul N-S Match- Board 3Board 3 ♠ A 10 8 6 Board 4Board 4 ♠ J 10 9 6 5 4 Score points South Deals ♥ Q 9 West Deals ♥ 7 5 4 E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 8 7 5 Both Vul ♦ 2 Board 4 ♣ 2 ♣ J 7 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 9 4 N 5 8 N K 7 3 2 300 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 140 98 J 3 WE 10 8 2 Q 9 3 WE A K J 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 110 97 K J 3 S Q 6 4 2 A 8 7 5 4 3 S K Q 6 ♣ A J 10 6 ♣ K Q 9 8 3 ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ 3 -100 96 ♠ K 7 3 2 ♠ A Q -150 95 -170 93 ♥ A K 7 6 5 4 ♥ 8 2 -200 88 ♦ — ♦ J 10 9 ♣ ♣ -300 85 7 5 4 A K Q 9 6 5 -500 79 -600 74 NS 5♠; NS 4♥; NS 2N; NS 2♦; EW 1♣; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♠; Par −650 -650 41 Par +450 -800 6 -850 3 West North East South -990 1 Pass Pass 1♥ 2♣ 0 2♥ Pass 2♠ 3♣ 3♦ Pass 4♥ All Pass

Neither West nor North should vulnerable. The auction through West’s 2♥ is fairly normal (adventurous Souths could bid 3♥ over 1♥ to ask for 3NT with a stopper). After that, anything is possible. With the club fit, North might stick in a 2♠ call (hoping maybe to find a spade ). East could just bid game, but is shown making a . West might accept (those 6 HCP and the singleton all look great), but is shown making a counter-try.

4 Board 5 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 5 3 2 BoardScore 6Board 6 points ♠ A J 10 9 North Deals ♥ A Q 8 6 East Deals ♥ 10 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 7 E-WBoard Vul 5 ♦ 3 ♣ J 5 3 100 ♣ A J 8 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 6 4 N A K 8 7 1005 4 3 2 98 N K Q 7 ♥ ♥ 50♥ 90 ♥ J 9 5 4 WE K 2 K Q 9 6 5 WE J 8 ♦ ♦ PA♦ SS 83 ♦ Q J 9 4 S K 5 K 4 S A 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ A 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 -90♣ 6 2 82 ♣ 10 9 ♠ Q 9 -110 80 ♠ 8 6 ♥ 10 7 3 -120 69 ♥ A 7 3 -130 58 ♦ A 8 6 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 -150 50 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 -170 42 -180 35 ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♦ EW 3N; EW 3 ; EW 4 ; EW 2 ; EW 2 ; -200NS 3 ; NS 1N; 28 EW 1 ; EW 1 ; Par +110 Par −400 -210 27 -400 18 West North East South -430 5 Pass 1♣ Pass 0 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT All Pass

Some will open 1NT, but with spades as the four-card suit, 1♣ planning to follow with spade bids is more descriptive. Switch the majors (two spades and four hearts) and I am fine with 1NT to avoid having to . At these colors, I see no reason for South to stick in a 1♦ with that ugly hand and suit. In the modern “Walsh” style, West bypasses the diamonds (with his poor hand) and responds 1♥. East ♠ ♠ Boardbids 7Board 71♠ as plannedA 8and after West’s 1NT, East mightBoard 8Board 8 A 4 3 ♥ ♥ Southraise Deals to 2NT or mightA 10 pass4 as shown (only stretch West Deals Q 8 6 Bothfor Vulmarginal games♦ K 10 when 9 8 4vulnerable 3 2 at IMPs). NorthNone Vul ♦ J 8 3 might lead a fourth-best♣ 8 spade, but more likely on ♣ K J 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ thisQ auctionJ 9 6 3 is the ♦N10 (the unbidK 5 2 suit). The key to J 9 7 5 N 10 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ theK deal8 5 3is the clubWE suit. AssumingQ J 7 6 declarer plays ♣A K 7 WE 10 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ andA another,Q the technicallyS Jcorrect 7 5 play is the queen, K Q 10 9 6 2 S 5 ♣becauseJ 9 that picks up a doubleton♣ K Q 2 jack with South ♣ 6 ♣ A Q 10 9 8 5 (doubleton king♠ can10 7 never 4 be picked up). So, the ♠ K Q 6 declarers who ♥play9 2 incorrectly (against the odds) will ♥ A J 9 4 3 be the lucky ones.♦ 6 ♦ A 7 4 ♣ A 10 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ 7 3

EW 2♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; Par −1105 NS 3N; NS 2♥; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +400 Board 6 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals E-W Vul N-S Match- Score points Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 5 3 2 Board 6Board 6 ♠ A J 10 9 North Deals ♥ A Q 8 6 East Deals ♥ 10 4 2 Board 6 N-S Vul ♦ 10 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 ♣ J 5 3 ♣ A J 8 5 3 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 500 99 J 6 4 N A K 8 7 5 4 3 2 N K Q 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 470 97 J 9 5 4 WE K 2 K Q 9 6 5 WE J 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 300 96 Q J 9 4 S K 5 K 4 S A 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ A 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 10 9 200 86 ♠ Q 9 ♠ 8 6 150 73 ♥ 10 7 3 ♥ A 7 3 130 65 ♦ A 8 6 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 120 56 110 46 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 100 38 90 31 EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; Par +110 -50 23 Par −400 -90 18 -100 14 West North East South -150 10 ?? -180 6 -200 2 Quite an auction! Most experts (who open -670 1 lighter and lighter) would start with 1♦. Some 0 players might preempt 2♦ (quite heavy, and the so-so diamonds along with the good spades, makes this somewhat undesirable). Others will pass. After 1♦, West would respond 1♥ and North should double. Now it is a question of how ambitious South gets. Where East opens 2♦, this will come around Board 7Board 7 ♠ A 8 Boardto North 8Board 8 who doubles♠ A 4 3 and again South has South Deals ♥ A 10 4 Westmany Deals choices. ♥Lastly,Q 8 6 if East passes, South opens and North-South should stop in a Both Vul ♦ K 10 9 8 4 3 2 None Vul ♦ J 8 3 partscore (3♣ is best), but might overreach ♣ 8 ♣ K J 4 2 to game. In clubs, South can take 10 tricks ♠ Q J 9 6 3 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ J 9 7 5 ♠ 10 8 2 N by using dummy’s spades.N Yes, the double- ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 8 5 3 WE Q J 7 6 dummyK 7 analysis WEsays only 9 10tricks, 5 2 but that ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q S J 7 5 wouldK Q 10require 9 6 2 inspiredS defense5 (including an ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ J 9 K Q 2 underlead6 at some point in diamonds).A Q 10 9 8 5 ♠ 10 7 4 ♠ K Q 6 ♥ 9 2 ♥ A J 9 4 3 ♦ 6 ♦ A 7 4 ♣ A 10 7 6 5 4 3 ♣ 7 3

EW 2♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; Par −110 NS 3N; NS 2♥; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +4006 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 5 3 2 Board 6Board 6 ♠ A J 10 9 North Deals ♥ A Q 8 6 East Deals ♥ 10 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 ♣ J 5 3 ♣ A J 8 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 6 4 N A K 8 7 5 4 3 2 N K Q 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 5 4 WE K 2 K Q 9 6 5 WE J 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q J 9 4 S K 5 K 4 S A 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ A 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 10 9 ♠ Q 9 ♠ 8 6 ♥ 10 7 3 ♥ A 7 3 ♦ A 8 6 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ K Q 7 4

EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; Par +110 Par −400

Board 7 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE Both Vul N-S Match- Score points Board 7Board 7 ♠ A 8 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A 4 3 South Deals ♥ A 10 4 West Deals ♥ Q 8 6 Board 7 Both Vul ♦ K 10 9 8 4 3 2 None Vul ♦ J 8 3 ♣ 8 100♣ K J 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠400 97 ♠ Q J 9 6 3 N K 5 2 J 9 7 5 N 10 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥300 91 ♥ K 8 5 3 WE Q J 7 6 K 7 WE 10 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦200 65 ♦ A Q S J 7 5 K Q 10 9 6 2 S 5 ♣ J 9 ♣ K Q 2 ♣1106 43 ♣ A Q 10 9 8 5 ♠ 10 7 4 100 34♠ K Q 6 ♥ 9 2 -100 21♥ A J 9 4 3 ♦ 6 -140 18♦ A 7 4 ♣ A 10 7 6 5 4 3 -200 16♣ 7 3 -500 14 EW 2♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; Par −110 NS 3N;-600 NS 2 ♥12; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +400 -620 10 -630 6 -650 2 West North East South 0 Pass 1♠ 2♦ 3♦ Pass 3♠ Pass Pass Pass

Aggressive Souths will open 3♣ (I would do so if not vulnerable). Facing a passed hand, North could conceivably preempt to 3♦. After a more prosaic 2♦, East shows a limit raise or better with a cuebid. West, devaluing his diamond holding doesn’t even try for game. East, with a flat hand and likely wasted ♦J should honor West’s decision (have you seen how light opening bids are these days?) and pass. Even 3♠ is too high. In fact, East- West can’t even make 1♠! Consider this: Club lead to the ace and a diamond shift. Declarer wins and plays a trump. Now, ♠A, ♦K (throwing a heart), ♥A, heart ruff, club ruff, heart ruff — down three!

7 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 5 3 2 Board 6Board 6 ♠ A J 10 9 North Deals ♥ A Q 8 6 East Deals ♥ 10 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 ♣ J 5 3 ♣ A J 8 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 6 4 N A K 8 7 5 4 3 2 N K Q 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 5 4 WE K 2 K Q 9 6 5 WE J 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q J 9 4 S K 5 K 4 S A 10 9 8 6 2 ♣ A 8 ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 10 9 ♠ Q 9 ♠ 8 6 ♥ 10 7 3 ♥ A 7 3 ♦ A 8 6 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ K Q 7 4

EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; Par +110 Par −400

Board 8 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals None Vul N-S Match- Board 7Board 7 ♠ A 8 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A 4 3 Score points South Deals ♥ A 10 4 West Deals ♥ Q 8 6 Both Vul ♦ K 10 9 8 4 3 2 None Vul ♦ J 8 3 Board 8 ♣ 8 ♣ K J 4 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 9 6 3 N K 5 2 J 9 7 5 N 10 8 2 800 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 500 96 K 8 5 3 WE Q J 7 6 K 7 WE 10 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 430 87 A Q S J 7 5 K Q 10 9 6 2 S 5 ♣ J 9 ♣ K Q 2 ♣ 6 ♣ A Q 10 9 8 5 400 73 ♠ 10 7 4 ♠ K Q 6 300 63 ♥ 9 2 ♥ A J 9 4 3 200 60 150 58 ♦ 6 ♦ A 7 4 ♣ ♣ 140 56 A 10 7 6 5 4 3 7 3 110 52 100 50 ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♣ EW 2 ; EW 1N; NS 2 ; NS 2 ; Par −110 NS 3N; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; NS 1 ; Par +400 50 48 -50 40 -100 23 West North East South -150 7 Pass Pass 3♣ 3♥ -200 1 Pass 3NT All Pass 0

Some Wests might open 2♦ (in spite of the so-so four-card spade holding). If so, it would likely get passed around to 2♥ by South, and North-South may or may not reach game. If West passes (as shown), I like 3♣ in third seat not vulnerable. South’s 3♥ is on the light side, but I can’t see passing (double is possible, I suppose). North’s clubs likely goad him into the winning 3NT bid. “Winning” double- dummy, anyway. It will take some skill (or a club ) to make the nine tricks that are available. Heart contracts will not fare well at all.

8 Board 9 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 9Board 9 ♠ K Q Board Score 10Board 10 points ♠ J North Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 East Deals ♥ J 10 7 5 E-W Vul ♦ A K 10 7 BothBoard Vul 9 ♦ 9 4 3 100 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 5 4 200 99 ♠ A J 8 5 4 ♠ 7 6 3 2 ♠ A 10 6 2 ♠ K 9 7 4 N 180 98 N ♥ 8 2 ♥ A J 7 3 ♥ A Q 3 ♥ K 8 6 4 WE 150 95 WE ♦ J 4 2 ♦ 3 ♦ 7 6 2 ♦ A Q S 140 92 S ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 8 5 4 A Q 9 2 1307 6 2 91 K 8 3 ♠ ♠ 10 9 120 90 Q 8 5 3 ♥ ♥ Q 9 6 110 81 9 2 ♦ Q 9 8 6 5 90 71 ♦ K J 10 8 5 ♣ J 10 7 -50 57 ♣ A 9 -100 38 EW 3♠; NS 2♥; NS 3♦; EW 2♣; Par −100: -140E 3N; EW 3 31♠; W 2N; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; NS 4♦×−1 -150EW 1 ♣; Par −600 26 -170 19 -300 14 West North East South -620 8 1♦ Dbl 3♦ -790 1 ?? 0 At these colors, in spite of all the junky cards, South should preempt (if available) to 3♦; his side should have at least nine trumps. Is West worth a free 3♠? Probably not. Should North bid after the preemptive raise? Probably not. Should East reopen with his minimum? Probably not. That means that the question marks turn into “All Pass.” If so, it is a poor Boardresult 11Board 11 for East-West,♠ A 9 4who 3 can make 3♠. Board 12Board 12 ♠ Q J 8 4 2 SouthThey Deals can even♥ makeJ 10 104 tricks if the defense West Deals ♥ J 2 Nonedoesn’t Vul shift to♦ hearts7 in time. In diamonds, N-S Vul ♦ K Q declarer should guess the hearts (based on ♣ A 9 8 6 3 ♣ K J 5 3 ♠the and early♠ play; East is the ♠ ♠ 10 2 N K 7 K 7 N 9 6 5 3 ♥one with the likely heart length).♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 9 7 3 WE A 8 6 Q 8 7 5 WE A K 9 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 10 9 4 S Q 8 6 5 2 A 10 6 5 2 S 4 3 ♣ 2 ♣ K J 5 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 7 4 2 ♠ Q J 8 6 5 ♠ A 10 ♥ 5 2 ♥ 10 6 3 ♦ A 3 ♦ J 9 8 7 ♣ Q 10 7 4 ♣ A Q 10 9

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ NS 3 ; EW 3 ; EW 4 ; NS 3 ; EW 1N;9 NS 2 ; EW 2 ; NS 3 ; NS 1N; EW 1 ; Par −100: NS 4♠×−1 Par +100: EW 3♥×−1 Board 10 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals Both Vul N-S Match- Board 9Board 9 ♠ K Q Board 10Board 10 ♠ J Score points North Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 East Deals ♥ J 10 7 5 E-W Vul ♦ A K 10 7 Both Vul ♦ 9 4 3 Board 10 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 5 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 8 5 4 N 7 6 3 2 A 10 6 2 N K 9 7 4 300 97 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 200 85 8 2 WE A J 7 3 A Q 3 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 180 75 J 4 2 S 3 7 6 2 S A Q ♣ 8 5 4 ♣ A Q 9 2 ♣ 7 6 2 ♣ K 8 3 100 49 ♠ 10 9 ♠ Q 8 5 3 PASS 25 ♥ Q 9 6 ♥ 9 2 -110 23 ♦ Q 9 8 6 5 ♦ K J 10 8 5 -120 20 -140 17 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A 9 -150 16 -200 14 EW 3♠; NS 2♥; NS 3♦; EW 2♣; Par −100: E 3N; EW 3♠; W 2N; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; -500 12 ♦ ♣ NS 4 ×−1 EW 1 ; Par −600 -600 10 -620 5 West North East South -630 3 1NT ?? -650 2 0 This is all about methods. If North-South play DONT (my favorite), South could bid 2♦ (diamonds and a major). If they play something like Cappelletti (sometimes called Hamilton), they would need to bid 2♠ to show spades and a minor. Vulnerable, that isn’t too attractive. If South passes, West probably should eschew Stayman (with flat shape) and raise to 3NT. If South comes in, West might need to use some form of lebensohl to bid Board 11Board 11 ♠ A 9 4 3 Board 12Board 12 ♠ Q J 8 4 2 3NT, or might opt to try for a penalty instead. South Deals ♥ J 10 4 West Deals ♥ J 2 South has a tough lead to make against 3NT. ♦ ♦ None Vul 7 N-SA Vullikely diamondK lead Q gives declarer an extra ♣ ♣ A 9 8 6 3 trick. The spadesK can J 5 be 3 picked up for no ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 2 N K 7 losersK 7 if declarer startsN with 9an 6 inspired5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 9 7 3 WE A 8 6 ♠K,Q 8much 7 5 easierWE if South revealedA K 9 4the suit ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 10 9 4 S Q 8 6 5 2 in Athe 10 auction. 6 5 2 S 4 3 ♣ 2 ♣ K J 5 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 7 4 2 ♠ Q J 8 6 5 ♠ A 10 ♥ 5 2 ♥ 10 6 3 ♦ A 3 ♦ J 9 8 7 ♣ Q 10 7 4 ♣ A Q 10 9

NS 3♠; EW 3♥; EW 4♦; NS 3♣; EW 1N; NS 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 110 ♦; Par −100: NS 4♠×−1 Par +100: EW 3♥×−1 Board 9Board 9 ♠ K Q Board 10Board 10 ♠ J North Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 East Deals ♥ J 10 7 5 E-W Vul ♦ A K 10 7 Both Vul ♦ 9 4 3 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 8 5 4 N 7 6 3 2 A 10 6 2 N K 9 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 2 WE A J 7 3 A Q 3 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 4 2 S 3 7 6 2 S A Q ♣ 8 5 4 ♣ A Q 9 2 ♣ 7 6 2 ♣ K 8 3 ♠ 10 9 ♠ Q 8 5 3 ♥ Q 9 6 ♥ 9 2 ♦ Q 9 8 6 5 ♦ K J 10 8 5 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A 9

EW 3♠; NS 2♥; NS 3♦; EW 2♣; Par −100: E 3N; EW 3♠; W 2N; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; NS 4♦×−1 EW 1♣; Par −600

Board 11 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE None Vul N-S Match- Score points Board 11Board 11 ♠ A 9 4 3 Board 12Board 12 ♠ Q J 8 4 2 South Deals ♥ J 10 4 West Deals ♥ J 2 Board 11 None Vul ♦ 7 N-S Vul ♦ K Q ♣ A 9 8 6 3 100 ♣ K J 5 3 ♠ ♠ 420♠ 99 ♠ 10 2 N K 7 K 7 N 9 6 5 3 ♥ ♥ 300♥ 98 ♥ K Q 9 7 3 WE A 8 6 Q 8 7 5 WE A K 9 4 ♦ ♦ 140♦ 95 ♦ K J 10 9 4 S Q 8 6 5 2 A 10 6 5 2 S 4 3 ♣ 2 ♣ K J 5 100♣ 8 6 86 ♣ 7 4 2 ♠ Q J 8 6 5 50 64 ♠ A 10 ♥ 5 2 -50 46 ♥ 10 6 3 -100 37 ♦ A 3 ♦ J 9 8 7 -130 26 ♣ Q 10 7 4 ♣ A Q 10 9 -140 20 -150 18 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ NS 3 ; EW 3 ; EW 4 ; NS 3 ; EW 1N; -170NS 2 ; EW 2 16 ; NS 3 ; NS 1N; EW 1 ; ♠ ♥ Par −100: NS 4 ×−1 -200Par +100: EW 313 ×−1 -300 11 West North East South -420 8 Pass -450 3 Pass 1♣ 1♦ 1♠ 0 3♥! Pass Pass Pass

Maybe I’ll lose my job as analyst for publishing an auction that might not occur at one table in North America! Let me explain, lest you think I’ve lost my mind. Some Wests will open (either one or two), but pass is most likely. In third seat, not vulnerable, the light opening really should be made (even 1♠, more preemptive) is possible. The 1♦ and 1♠ bids are normal, but what about that 3♥ animal? By a passed hand, it should be fit-showing — a huge red two-suiter. No hand that couldn’t preempt the first time should be able to do so now unless there is a big diamond fit. North would love to raise spades, but is just too light. East, facing a passed hand doesn’t expect a game, and South, facing a third- seat opener might be afraid to take further action. There you have it; 3♥ by West, which is held to three with a diamond ruff (and North knowing to hop on the first round of clubs). Of course, at your table, I expect something different to happen.

11 Board 9Board 9 ♠ K Q Board 10Board 10 ♠ J North Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 East Deals ♥ J 10 7 5 E-W Vul ♦ A K 10 7 Both Vul ♦ 9 4 3 ♣ K 6 3 ♣ Q J 10 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 8 5 4 N 7 6 3 2 A 10 6 2 N K 9 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 2 WE A J 7 3 A Q 3 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 4 2 S 3 7 6 2 S A Q ♣ 8 5 4 ♣ A Q 9 2 ♣ 7 6 2 ♣ K 8 3 ♠ 10 9 ♠ Q 8 5 3 ♥ Q 9 6 ♥ 9 2 ♦ Q 9 8 6 5 ♦ K J 10 8 5 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A 9

EW 3♠; NS 2♥; NS 3♦; EW 2♣; Par −100: E 3N; EW 3♠; W 2N; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; NS 4♦×−1 EW 1♣; Par −600

Board 12 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 11Board 11 ♠ A 9 4 3 Board 12Board 12 ♠ Q J 8 4 2 Score points South Deals ♥ J 10 4 West Deals ♥ J 2 Board 12 None Vul ♦ 7 N-S Vul ♦ K Q ♣ A 9 8 6 3 ♣ K J 5 3 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 210 95 10 2 N K 7 K 7 N 9 6 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 180 82 K Q 9 7 3 WE A 8 6 Q 8 7 5 WE A K 9 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 150 71 K J 10 9 4 S Q 8 6 5 2 A 10 6 5 2 S 4 3 ♣ 2 ♣ K J 5 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 7 4 2 140 65 ♠ Q J 8 6 5 ♠ A 10 130 59 ♥ 5 2 ♥ 10 6 3 120 55 110 43 ♦ A 3 ♦ J 9 8 7 100 31 ♣ Q 10 7 4 ♣ A Q 10 9 90 29 50 28 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ NS 3 ; EW 3 ; EW 4 ; NS 3 ; EW 1N; NS 2 ; EW 2 ; NS 3 ; NS 1N; EW 1 ; PASS 24 ♠ ♥ Par −100: NS 4 ×−1 Par +100: EW 3 ×−1 -100 13 -140 4 West North East South -200 2 Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT 0 Pass 2♣ Pass ??

If you aren’t playing 2/1 GF (you should), then the initial response wouldn’t be 1NT. Most readers likely play 1NT as forcing (or semi-forcing, my preferred way). North bids his second suit and South faces a tough problem. He is quite heavy for a preference to only 2♠. 3♠ should require a third trump, but I suppose it is viable. 2NT is right on values, but lacks a heart stopper. Raising to 3♣ (invitational) is possible, especially if 2♣ promises four. What would I do? I’d put a question mark in the diagram. Given the North-South combined assets, there is no game worth reaching.

12 Board 13 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE Both Vul N-S Match- Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 9 7 6 Board Score 14Board 14 points ♠ 10 8 North Deals ♥ A 10 9 8 4 East Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ K Q 2 NoneBoard Vul 13 ♦ 10 2 ♣ 5 100 ♣ 10 6 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 5 3 2 N A K 8 4 710K J 9 5 498 N Q 2 ♥ ♥ 670♥ 97 ♥ K Q 3 WE 7 6 2 Q 2 WE A 9 7 ♦ ♦ 5♦00 96 ♦ J 9 5 S 8 6 Q 9 7 4 S K J 8 3 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 300♣ A 2 94 ♣ Q 9 7 4 ♠ 10 200 87 ♠ A 7 6 3 ♥ J 5 170 75 ♥ J 8 6 ♦ A 10 7 4 3 150 68 ♦ A 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 3 140 65 ♣ K J 8 130 56 110 44 NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 1N; NS 2♣; W 1♠; EW 3♠; E 2N; EW 3♦; W 1N; NS 1♥; E 1♣; 100 29 Par +140 Par −140 90 17 PASS 15 West North East South -100 13 Pass 1♣ 1♦ -110 8 1♠ 2♣ 2♠ 3♦ -200 2 Pass Pass Pass 0

North could open, but when there is a rebid problem (like after 1♥-Pass-1NT), I prefer to pass. If North does open, I suppose after South’s 1NT he would bid 2♦ and then South would have several options. On the auction shown, West’s 1♠ promises only four (a double would guarantee both majors). North could Boardintroduce 15Board 15 hearts,♠ 10 but 8 is shown making a cuebid Board 16Board 16 ♠ 5 4 2 Southraise. Deals South’s 3♥♦K isn’t J 7 forward-going2 (he could West Deals ♥ A K Q 8 5 bid 3♣ with interest), but shows a desire not N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 E-W Vul ♦ Q 2 to defend against 2♠. Maybe North should try ♣ 10 9 3 2 ♣ K 5 4 the hearts now? Maybe he passes as shown in ♠ A 9 7 4 ♠ Q J 6 3 ♠ K Q J 10 9 ♠ A 6 3 the diagram. The playN in diamonds or hearts is N ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ quiteA Q complex; 8 6 I’llWE just believe9 the computer as 10 9 6 WE 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ to 7what 6 5 can make doubleS dummy.J 8 4 K 8 S A 10 9 6 4 3 ♣ K Q ♣ A J 7 5 4 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ J 6 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ 8 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 ♥ J 7 4 ♦ K 9 3 2 ♦ J 7 5 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 10 9 8 7 3

EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 3♣; W 1♥; EW 113 ♦; EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 3♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par −420 Par −620 Board 14 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals None Vul N-S Match- Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 9 7 6 Board 14Board 14 ♠ 10 8 Score points North Deals ♥ A 10 9 8 4 East Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ K Q 2 None Vul ♦ 10 2 Board 14 ♣ 5 ♣ 10 6 5 3 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 5 3 2 N A K 8 4 K J 9 5 4 N Q 2 200 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 150 97 K Q 3 WE 7 6 2 Q 2 WE A 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 110 95 J 9 5 S 8 6 Q 9 7 4 S K J 8 3 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 ♣ A 2 ♣ Q 9 7 4 100 91 ♠ 10 ♠ A 7 6 3 50 80 ♥ J 5 ♥ J 8 6 -50 73 -90 72 ♦ A 10 7 4 3 ♦ A 6 5 -100 71 ♣ A 9 8 6 3 ♣ K J 8 -110 67 -120 62 ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ NS 3 ; NS 4 ; NS 1N; NS 2 ; W 1 ; EW 3 ; E 2N; EW 3 ; W 1N; NS 1 ; E 1 ; -130 57 Par +140 Par −140 -140 49 -150 42 West North East South -170 37 1♦ Dbl -180 33 Redbl 1♥ Pass Pass -300 31 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass -400 21 2♦ Pass 2♠ Pass -420 10 2NT Pass Pass Pass -430 5 -460 1 Another auction not likely to occur at any 0 table. East could pass or open 1♣ (no right answer/rule with 4-4 in the minors). South doesn’t have to double, but I like getting in early when possible. West could respond 1♠ instead of redoubling. All the rest of the ♠ ♠ Board 15Board 15 10 8 Boardbids 16Board 16are just reasonable5 4 2 actions/guesses. The ♥ ♥ South Deals K J 7 2 Westguiding Deals factor is Athat K Qtoday 8 5 we open light N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 E-W(especially Vul not♦ vul),Q 2 so West needn’t drive to ♣ 10 9 3 2 game with every♣ K12 5 count. 4 There are guesses ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 9 7 4 N Q J 6 3 andK Qmany J 10 twists 9 andN turns theA 6 play 3 can take ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A Q 8 6 WE 9 in 10either 9 6 spades, WEnotrump or3 diamonds. 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 7 6 5 S J 8 4 K 8 S A 10 9 6 4 3 ♣ K Q ♣ A J 7 5 4 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ J 6 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ 8 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 ♥ J 7 4 ♦ K 9 3 2 ♦ J 7 5 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 10 9 8 7 3

EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 3♣; W 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 4♠; EW 2N; EW 3♦; NS 1♥; NS 114 ♣; Par −420 Par −620 Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 9 7 6 Board 14Board 14 ♠ 10 8 North Deals ♥ A 10 9 8 4 East Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ K Q 2 None Vul ♦ 10 2 ♣ 5 ♣ 10 6 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 5 3 2 N A K 8 4 K J 9 5 4 N Q 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 3 WE 7 6 2 Q 2 WE A 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 9 5 S 8 6 Q 9 7 4 S K J 8 3 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 ♣ A 2 ♣ Q 9 7 4 ♠ 10 ♠ A 7 6 3 ♥ J 5 ♥ J 8 6 ♦ A 10 7 4 3 ♦ A 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 3 ♣ K J 8

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

Board 15 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 15Board 15 ♠ 10 8 BoardScore 16Board 16points ♠ 5 4 2 South Deals ♥ K J 7 2 West Deals ♥ A K Q 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 E-WBoard Vul 15 ♦ Q 2 ♣ 10 9 3 2 100 ♣ K 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 9 7 4 N Q J 6 3 100 K Q J 10 98 9 N A 6 3 ♥ ♥ 50♥ 88 ♥ A Q 8 6 WE 9 10 9 6 WE 3 2 ♦ ♦ -120♦ 78 ♦ 7 6 5 S J 8 4 K 8 S A 10 9 6 4 3 ♣ K Q ♣ A J 7 5 4 -140♣ A Q 2 72 ♣ J 6 ♠ K 5 2 -150 64 ♠ 8 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 -170 59 ♥ J 7 4 -180 53 ♦ K 9 3 2 ♦ J 7 5 -210 50 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 10 9 8 7 3 -240 49 -400 48 ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ EW 4 ; EW 2N; EW 3 ; W 1 ; EW 1 ; -420EW 4 ; EW 2N; 29 EW 3 ; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; Par −420 -450Par −620 6 0 West North East South Pass 1NT Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass ??

East starts with Stayman, but most play that a 1NT opener shows hearts first with 4-4 in the majors. Now what? Only regular partnerships have discussed how to handle this situation. Does 2NT now promise four spades and an invitational hand? If 2♣ guarantees a major, then, yes it does. However, some pairs play that 2♣ doesn’t guarantee a major, so they need a method to find the 4-4 spade fit here (possibly 2♠ shows something like this). Regardless, East-West will not only have to find spades, but also decide on partscore versus game. With a diamond lead (not really possible to find from North), game is horrible, but can make due to the lucky spade lie. Declarer would have to lead the ♠Q and if it isn’t covered, guess to lead the ♠J next to the 10. South shouldn’t cover, as it can do no good.

15 Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 9 7 6 Board 14Board 14 ♠ 10 8 North Deals ♥ A 10 9 8 4 East Deals ♥ K 10 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ K Q 2 None Vul ♦ 10 2 ♣ 5 ♣ 10 6 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 5 3 2 N A K 8 4 K J 9 5 4 N Q 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 3 WE 7 6 2 Q 2 WE A 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 9 5 S 8 6 Q 9 7 4 S K J 8 3 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ K Q 7 4 ♣ A 2 ♣ Q 9 7 4 ♠ 10 ♠ A 7 6 3 ♥ J 5 ♥ J 8 6 ♦ A 10 7 4 3 ♦ A 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 3 ♣ K J 8

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

Board 16 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 15Board 15 ♠ 10 8 Board 16Board 16 ♠ 5 4 2 Score points South Deals ♥ K J 7 2 West Deals ♥ A K Q 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ A Q 10 E-W Vul ♦ Q 2 Board 16 ♣ 10 9 3 2 ♣ K 5 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 9 7 4 N Q J 6 3 K Q J 10 9 N A 6 3 100 87 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ -120 73 A Q 8 6 WE 9 10 9 6 WE 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ -130 72 7 6 5 S J 8 4 K 8 S A 10 9 6 4 3 ♣ K Q ♣ A J 7 5 4 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ J 6 -170 65 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ 8 7 -200 53 ♥ 10 5 4 3 ♥ J 7 4 -230 45 ♦ K 9 3 2 ♦ J 7 5 -600 44 -620 31 ♣ 8 6 ♣ 10 9 8 7 3 -650 11 ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ -660 2 EW 4 ; EW 2N; EW 3 ; W 1 ; EW 1 ; EW 4 ; EW 2N; EW 3 ; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; -680 1 Par −420 Par −620 0

West North East South 1NT Pass 3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass 4♠ All Pass

I am a big believer in opening 1NT with a balanced 15-17, even with a five-card major. North shouldn’t come in with flat shape. If using Puppet Stayman (a good method, but requiring some memory), East plans to raise to 3NT, but checks for a 5-3 spade fit on the way. Voila! Without Puppet Stayman, I confess that 1N-3N would meet with a swift demise. The best defense against 4♠ (not obvious to find) is for North to play three rounds of hearts, tapping dummy prematurely. Now if diamonds are set up, there is no way to also draw trump ending in dummy. So, declarer has to take a club , resulting in only 10 tricks. With any other defense, if declarer is greedy (playing for both diamonds and spades to behave) he can take 11 tricks (three rounds of diamonds, ruffing the third one high and then drawing trump ending in dummy) for most of the matchpoints.

16 Board 17 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE None Vul N-S Match- Board 17Board 17 ♠ A 6 5 2 Board Score 18Board 18 points ♠ — North Deals ♥ K 9 7 2 East Deals ♥ K J 8 None Vul ♦ J 6 N-SBoard Vul 17 ♦ Q 10 8 7 6 5 ♣ A Q 10 100 ♣ A 10 9 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 7 4 3 N Q J 10 590K Q 9 7 996 2 N 5 3 ♥ ♥ 5♥00 97 ♥ A 10 WE J 4 9 4 2 WE A Q 10 5 3 ♦ ♦ 480♦ 94 ♦ A 2 S K Q 10 9 8 7 3 A 3 S J 4 2 ♣ 8 7 6 4 ♣ 3 450♣ K 4 93 ♣ Q 7 5 ♠ 8 420 85 ♠ A J 10 8 4 ♥ Q 8 6 5 3 300 75 ♥ 7 6 ♦ 5 4 230 73 ♦ K 9 200 72 ♣ K J 9 5 2 ♣ J 8 6 3 170 65 150 58 NS 3♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 3♥; E 2N; EW 2♠; W 1N; NS 2♣; 140 55 ♦ ♦ Par +100: EW 4 ×−1 130NS 1 ; Par −140 51 100 47 West North East South 50 42 1♣ 3♦ Pass -50 31 Pass Pass -100 22 -110 16 Not vulnerable, with a good seven-card suit, -130 11 East’s 3♦ should be routine. South could -150 7 stretch to make a (and convert -170 6 spades to clubs), but he really doesn’t have -250 5 enough. Nobody has anything to say, so East -300 4 steals the pot. The defense can hold it to three -400 3 with two spade ruffs. It is hard to reach spades -550 2 East-West, and even if they do, it is a tough -610 1 contract to play with the 4-1 break, especially if 0 Board 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 5 3 Board 20Board 20 ♠ 7 5 the defense starts by tapping the dummy with South Deals ♥ 9 6 West Deals ♥ Q J 10 7 club plays. Meanwhile, North-South do quite E-W Vul ♦ A 9 Both Vul ♦ J 6 well in hearts, losing only three red tricks unless ♣ ♣ the defense can arrangeQ 10 6 5 to 2 get a club ruff. In A Q J 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ clubs,A 8 North-South2 Nhave onlyK three7 4 losers. This K Q 10 8 2 N A 9 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ is yourQ 4 classic double-fitWE deal.K J 7 5 3 5 2 WE A 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 7 4 2 S Q 10 A 9 7 5 S K 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 8 4 ♣ K 7 3 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 9 8 3 ♠ J 9 6 ♠ J 6 4 ♥ A 10 8 2 ♥ K 9 6 4 3 ♦ 8 6 5 3 ♦ Q 8 ♣ A 9 ♣ K 10 7

EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; NS 1♠; Par −100:17 EW 5♠; EW 5♦; EW 2N; NS 2♥; NS 2♣; NS 2♠×−1 Par −650 Board 18 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 17Board 17 ♠ A 6 5 2 Board 18Board 18 ♠ — Score points North Deals ♥ K 9 7 2 East Deals ♥ K J 8 None Vul ♦ J 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 8 7 6 5 Board 18 ♣ A Q 10 ♣ A 10 9 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 7 4 3 N Q J 10 K Q 9 7 6 2 N 5 3 300 97 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 150 95 A 10 WE J 4 9 4 2 WE A Q 10 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 130 93 A 2 S K Q 10 9 8 7 3 A 3 S J 4 2 ♣ 8 7 6 4 ♣ 3 ♣ K 4 ♣ Q 7 5 110 91 ♠ 8 ♠ A J 10 8 4 100 88 ♥ Q 8 6 5 3 ♥ 7 6 -50 78 -100 65 ♦ 5 4 ♦ K 9 -110 57 ♣ K J 9 5 2 ♣ J 8 6 3 -140 40 -170 27 ♥ ♣ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♠ ♣ NS 3 ; NS 4 ; EW 2 ; EW 3 ; EW 1N; EW 3 ; E 2N; EW 2 ; W 1N; NS 2 ; -200 23 ♦ ♦ Par +100: EW 4 ×−1 NS 1 ; Par −140 -300 19 -400 17 West North East South -420 16 Pass Pass -470 12 1♠ 2♦ 2♥ 3♦ -500 7 3♥ Pass Pass Pass -570 5 -590 4 Facing a passed partner, I wouldn’t mind a -600 3 2♠ opening for West, but I’ve shown a more -670 2 mainstream 1♠. Vulnerable two-level -800 1 should be sound; I think North has barely 0 enough. As a passed hand, East can bid 2♥ (a little light). South has a nice hand and beautiful ♦K, but nothing fits — so I might raise with only two (a two-level overcall is six cards more ♠ ♠ Board 19Board 19 Q 10 5 3 Boardoften 20Board 20 than not). West7 5 can raise hearts, possibly ♥ ♥ South Deals 9 6 Westbuying Deals it there. TheQ J ♦ 10K 7lead helps declarer, E-W Vul ♦ A 9 Bothand Vul the layout ♦is Jfairly 6 friendly. ♣ Q 10 6 5 2 ♣ A Q J 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 8 2 N K 7 4 K Q 10 8 2 N A 9 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 4 WE K J 7 5 3 5 2 WE A 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 7 4 2 S Q 10 A 9 7 5 S K 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 8 4 ♣ K 7 3 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 9 8 3 ♠ J 9 6 ♠ J 6 4 ♥ A 10 8 2 ♥ K 9 6 4 3 ♦ 8 6 5 3 ♦ Q 8 ♣ A 9 ♣ K 10 7

EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; NS 1♠; Par −100: EW 5♠; EW 5♦; EW 2N; NS 2♥; NS 218 ♣; NS 2♠×−1 Par −650 Board 17Board 17 ♠ A 6 5 2 Board 18Board 18 ♠ — North Deals ♥ K 9 7 2 East Deals ♥ K J 8 None Vul ♦ J 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 8 7 6 5 ♣ A Q 10 ♣ A 10 9 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 7 4 3 N Q J 10 K Q 9 7 6 2 N 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 10 WE J 4 9 4 2 WE A Q 10 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 2 S K Q 10 9 8 7 3 A 3 S J 4 2 ♣ 8 7 6 4 ♣ 3 ♣ K 4 ♣ Q 7 5 ♠ 8 ♠ A J 10 8 4 ♥ Q 8 6 5 3 ♥ 7 6 ♦ 5 4 ♦ K 9 ♣ K J 9 5 2 ♣ J 8 6 3

NS 3♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 3♥; E 2N; EW 2♠; W 1N; NS 2♣; Par +100: EW 4♦×−1 NS 1♦; Par −140

Board 19 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 5 3 BoardScore 20Board 20points ♠ 7 5 South Deals ♥ 9 6 West Deals ♥ Q J 10 7 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 BothBoard Vul 19 ♦ J 6 ♣ Q 10 6 5 2 100 ♣ A Q J 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 8 2 N K 7 4 500K Q 10 998 2 N A 9 3 ♥ ♥ 47♥0 98 ♥ Q 4 WE K J 7 5 3 5 2 WE A 8 ♦ ♦ 200♦ 93 ♦ K J 7 4 2 S Q 10 A 9 7 5 S K 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 8 4 ♣ K 7 3 180♣ 6 2 88 ♣ 9 8 3 ♠ J 9 6 110 87 ♠ J 6 4 ♥ A 10 8 2 100 74 ♥ K 9 6 4 3 PASS 63 ♦ 8 6 5 3 ♦ Q 8 -50 61 ♣ A 9 ♣ K 10 7 -90 46 -100 32 ♥ ♦ ♠ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ EW 2 ; EW 1N; EW 2 ; NS 1 ; Par −100: -110EW 5 ; EW 5 25 ; EW 2N; NS 2 ; NS 2 ; NS 2♠×−1 -120Par −650 16 -130 13 West North East South -140 12 Pass -150 9 Pass Pass 1♥ Pass -180 6 1NT Pass Pass Pass -200 4 -300 3 Unfavorable, with that ugly 11, I wouldn’t open -500 2 West’s hand (some will). Third seat favorable, -600 1 I can see opening North’s hand, but most will 0 pass as shown. The ensuing auction is very normal, and I’d expect this auction at the majority of tables. By a passed hand, 1NT is never forcing. West could respond 2♦ or even 2NT, but I prefer the low road. On a club lead, South wins the ace and plays another to set up North’s suit. A spade lead doesn’t cost a trick and starts declarer’s big problem on this deal of entries. When he does play diamonds (which are better than the hearts), North’s best play is to win the first one, especially if he is in a position to knock out declarer’s ♠K before the diamonds can be unblocked. They say that 1NT is the most complicated contract to play and defend — also to analyze!

19 Board 17Board 17 ♠ A 6 5 2 Board 18Board 18 ♠ — North Deals ♥ K 9 7 2 East Deals ♥ K J 8 None Vul ♦ J 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 8 7 6 5 ♣ A Q 10 ♣ A 10 9 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 7 4 3 N Q J 10 K Q 9 7 6 2 N 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 10 WE J 4 9 4 2 WE A Q 10 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 2 S K Q 10 9 8 7 3 A 3 S J 4 2 ♣ 8 7 6 4 ♣ 3 ♣ K 4 ♣ Q 7 5 ♠ 8 ♠ A J 10 8 4 ♥ Q 8 6 5 3 ♥ 7 6 ♦ 5 4 ♦ K 9 ♣ K J 9 5 2 ♣ J 8 6 3

NS 3♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 3♥; E 2N; EW 2♠; W 1N; NS 2♣; Par +100: EW 4♦×−1 NS 1♦; Par −140

Board 20 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals Both Vul N-S Match- Board 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 5 3 Board 20Board 20 ♠ 7 5 Score points South Deals ♥ 9 6 West Deals ♥ Q J 10 7 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 Both Vul ♦ J 6 Board 20 ♣ Q 10 6 5 2 ♣ A Q J 5 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 8 2 N K 7 4 K Q 10 8 2 N A 9 3 170 98 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 140 97 Q 4 WE K J 7 5 3 5 2 WE A 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 110 96 K J 7 4 2 S Q 10 A 9 7 5 S K 10 4 3 2 ♣ J 8 4 ♣ K 7 3 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 9 8 3 PASS 88 ♠ J 9 6 ♠ J 6 4 -100 78 ♥ A 10 8 2 ♥ K 9 6 4 3 -150 72 -170 67 ♦ 8 6 5 3 ♦ Q 8 -200 40 ♣ A 9 ♣ K 10 7 -210 16 -500 15 ♥ ♦ ♠ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ EW 2 ; EW 1N; EW 2 ; NS 1 ; Par −100: EW 5 ; EW 5 ; EW 2N; NS 2 ; NS 2 ; -620 14 NS 2♠×−1 Par −650 -650 9 -800 4 West North East South -930 3 Pass Pass 1♦ Pass -990 2 1♠ Dbl Redbl 3♥ 0 3♠ Pass Pass Pass

Should North open 1♣? There is no right or wrong (though Charles Goren would be turning in his grave over the thought). I’ve shown a pass, because on borderline hands, I like to consider the rebid problem. If partner were to respond 1♠, I don’t like either 1NT or repeating the five-card minor, so I wouldn’t open. However, on round two, North has an easy double. East uses a support redouble (showing three spades) and South should jump (not to try for game, but to make life tougher on East-West). With the friendly layout, East-West have 11 tricks, but aren’t likely to reach game with their 20 HCP.

20 Board 21 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 21Board 21 ♠ 9 8 7 5 Board Score 22Board 22points ♠ J 9 8 4 3 North Deals ♥ A K Q 5 East Deals ♥ K J 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ 7 E-WBoard Vul 21 ♦ 3 ♣ A 9 8 5 100 ♣ A 9 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q N A J 6 80010 6 2 98 N A K Q ♥ ♥ 7♥90 96 ♥ J 10 9 2 WE 7 6 4 10 6 4 2 WE Q 9 7 ♦ ♦ 7♦60 95 ♦ A K Q J 9 3 S 6 5 4 2 K J 9 4 S A 8 7 6 5 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 2 620♣ J 5 93 ♣ K 10 ♠ K 10 4 3 2 500 79 ♠ 7 5 ♥ 8 3 300 62 ♥ A 3 ♦ 10 8 200 59 ♦ Q 10 2 ♣ Q J 7 4 170 57 ♣ Q 8 7 6 3 2 150 53 140 43 NS 3♠; EW 2N; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; EW 3N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; Par −100: 100 31 Par +100: EW 3N×−1 NS 4♣×−1 50 24 -100 16 West North East South -110 11 1♣ Pass 1♠ -200 8 3♦ 3♠ 4♦ 4♠ -400 4 Pass Pass Pass -500 2 -550 1 West could double or overcall only 2♦. 0 I like the preempt as shown because both opponents have bid, increasing the likelihood that it is their hand. If West goes lower, North is still worth 3♠, though most will likely raise to only two. With the black- suit layout, the limit is only nine tricks for North-South, so perhaps my auction is too Board 23Board 23 ♠ A Q J 10 Board 24Board 24 ♠ A 9 5 exuberant. On the other hand, East-West South Deals ♥ K J 2 West Deals ♥ 5 might take a phantom sacrifice at the tables Both Vul ♦ K 9 7 3 None Vul ♦ K 9 6 where North-South do overreach to 4♠. ♣ 5 4 ♣ K J 5 4 3 2 Any Easts who get the bright (beginnerish) ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ idea9 8of 7 playing6 5 second-handN 3 high 2 in the 10 7 6 N K Q J 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ spade4 suit mightWE pay the price.A Q 9 3 A Q 7 3 2 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 10 2 S A 8 6 5 5 4 2 S 7 3 ♣ A K 10 6 ♣ 9 7 3 ♣ 8 7 ♣ A 6 ♠ K 4 ♠ 8 2 ♥ 10 8 7 6 5 ♥ J 10 9 ♦ Q 4 ♦ A Q J 10 8 ♣ Q J 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9

S 2♥; EW 1N; EW 1♠; N 1♥; EW 1♦21; EW 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; Par +100: Par +110 EW 4♥×−1 Board 22 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 21Board 21 ♠ 9 8 7 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ J 9 8 4 3 Score points North Deals ♥ A K Q 5 East Deals ♥ K J 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 Board 22 ♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ A 9 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q N A J 6 10 6 2 N A K Q 500 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 400 97 J 10 9 2 WE 7 6 4 10 6 4 2 WE Q 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 300 93 A K Q J 9 3 S 6 5 4 2 K J 9 4 S A 8 7 6 5 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 2 ♣ J 5 ♣ K 10 200 82 ♠ K 10 4 3 2 ♠ 7 5 130 72 ♥ 8 3 ♥ A 3 110 67 ♦ 10 8 ♦ Q 10 2 100 58 -50 50 ♣ Q J 7 4 ♣ Q 8 7 6 3 2 -100 45 -110 34 NS 3♠; EW 2N; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; EW 3N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; Par −100: -120 25 ♣ Par +100: EW 3N×−1 NS 4 ×−1 -130 22 -150 17 West North East South -300 13 1♦ Pass -500 11 1♥ 1♠ 2NT Pass -600 6 Pass Pass -670 1 0 I don’t always respond with a so-so 5-count, but West has nice diamond support and whenever I can find an excuse to bid instead of passing, I bid. North’s 1♠ is lead directional (just kidding). The suit is lousy and the hand is lousy, but it is the one level and not vulnerable, so I want to get in to maybe compete for the partscore. East brushes this aside with 2NT (although a , if Board 23Board 23 ♠ A Q J 10 Board 24Board 24 ♠ A 9 5 in the system, is a viable alternative). I show West South Deals ♥ K J 2 West Deals ♥ 5 passing, though he might love his diamond fit and ♦ ♦ Both Vul K 9 7 3 None10s enoughVul to raise.K 9 I6 confess that I would lead ♣ ♣ 5 4 partner’s “suit,” butK J I 5can 4 3see 2 that a club lead works ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 N 3 2 much10 7 better. 6 If declarerN guessesK Q diamondsJ 4 3 (I see ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4 WE A Q 9 3 noA good Q 7 3reason 2 to,WE other thanK 8maybe 6 4 if there is ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 10 2 S A 8 6 5 an5 overcall 4 2 and spadesS are known7 3 to be 5-2 or 6-1 ♣ A K 10 6 ♣ 9 7 3 it♣ changes8 7 the diamond odds♣ A a6 bit), he has nine ♠ K 4 tricks (on a club♠ lead).8 2 If not, he is down (on a ♥ 10 8 7 6 5 club lead). ♥ J 10 9 ♦ Q 4 ♦ A Q J 10 8 ♣ Q J 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9

S 2♥; EW 1N; EW 1♠; N 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; Par +100:22 Par +110 EW 4♥×−1 Board 21Board 21 ♠ 9 8 7 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ J 9 8 4 3 North Deals ♥ A K Q 5 East Deals ♥ K J 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 ♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ A 9 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q N A J 6 10 6 2 N A K Q ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 10 9 2 WE 7 6 4 10 6 4 2 WE Q 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K Q J 9 3 S 6 5 4 2 K J 9 4 S A 8 7 6 5 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 2 ♣ J 5 ♣ K 10 ♠ K 10 4 3 2 ♠ 7 5 ♥ 8 3 ♥ A 3 ♦ 10 8 ♦ Q 10 2 ♣ Q J 7 4 ♣ Q 8 7 6 3 2

NS 3♠; EW 2N; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; EW 3N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; Par −100: Par +100: EW 3N×−1 NS 4♣×−1

Board 23 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE Both Vul N-S Match- Board 23Board 23 ♠ A Q J 10 BoardScore 24Board 24points ♠ A 9 5 South Deals ♥ K J 2 West Deals ♥ 5 Both Vul ♦ K 9 7 3 NoneBoard Vul 23 ♦ K 9 6 ♣ 5 4 100 ♣ K J 5 4 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 N 3 2 50010 7 6 99 N K Q J 4 3 ♥ ♥ 200♥ 96 ♥ 4 WE A Q 9 3 A Q 7 3 2 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ 150♦ 93 ♦ J 10 2 S A 8 6 5 5 4 2 S 7 3 ♣ A K 10 6 ♣ 9 7 3 140♣ 8 7 91 ♣ A 6 ♠ K 4 120 87 ♠ 8 2 ♥ 10 8 7 6 5 110 74 ♥ J 10 9 100 64 ♦ Q 4 ♦ A Q J 10 8 90 57 ♣ Q J 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9 -80 49 -100 33 ♥ ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ S 2 ; EW 1N; EW 1 ; N 1 ; EW 1 ; EW 1 ; -110EW 3 ; NS 4 15 ; NS 4 ; EW 2 ; Par +100: Par +110 -200EW 4 ♥×−1 8 -300 3 West North East South -670 1 Pass 0 Pass 1♦ Pass 1♥ Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT Pass Pass Pass

North could raise hearts at either point (or pass 1♥), but I prefer (as in several earlier deals) to try to locate a 4-4 spade fit. If North does raise hearts at his third turn, he would be showing extras — possibly he is worth it. In theory, hearts is better than notrump, but in practice, notrump might score more. It isn’t clear what to lead or how to defend at any point (as usual). Plus 110 on a partscore deal is generally a good matchpoint score. Maybe I should show North getting his side to hearts … oh well.

23 Board 21Board 21 ♠ 9 8 7 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ J 9 8 4 3 North Deals ♥ A K Q 5 East Deals ♥ K J 8 5 N-S Vul ♦ 7 E-W Vul ♦ 3 ♣ A 9 8 5 ♣ A 9 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q N A J 6 10 6 2 N A K Q ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 10 9 2 WE 7 6 4 10 6 4 2 WE Q 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K Q J 9 3 S 6 5 4 2 K J 9 4 S A 8 7 6 5 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 2 ♣ J 5 ♣ K 10 ♠ K 10 4 3 2 ♠ 7 5 ♥ 8 3 ♥ A 3 ♦ 10 8 ♦ Q 10 2 ♣ Q J 7 4 ♣ Q 8 7 6 3 2

NS 3♠; EW 2N; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; EW 3N; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; Par −100: Par +100: EW 3N×−1 NS 4♣×−1

Board 24 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals None Vul N-S Match- Board 23Board 23 ♠ A Q J 10 Board 24Board 24 ♠ A 9 5 Score points South Deals ♥ K J 2 West Deals ♥ 5 Both Vul ♦ K 9 7 3 None Vul ♦ K 9 6 Board 24 ♣ 5 4 ♣ K J 5 4 3 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 N 3 2 10 7 6 N K Q J 4 3 510 98 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 380 96 4 WE A Q 9 3 A Q 7 3 2 WE K 8 6 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 150 90 J 10 2 S A 8 6 5 5 4 2 S 7 3 ♣ A K 10 6 ♣ 9 7 3 ♣ 8 7 ♣ A 6 130 70 ♠ K 4 ♠ 8 2 100 53 ♥ 10 8 7 6 5 ♥ J 10 9 50 46 ♦ Q 4 ♦ A Q J 10 8 -50 38 ♣ Q J 8 2 ♣ Q 10 9 -100 32 -140 23 -150 15 S 2♥; EW 1N; EW 1♠; N 1♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; Par +100: -170 11 Par +110 EW 4♥×−1 -200 7 -420 5 West North East South -530 3 Pass 1♣ 1♠ 2♦ -590 1 2♠ 3♦ ?? 0

Not vulnerable, some aggressive Wests will indeed open 2♥ (make the hearts A Q J x x and I can live with it). Presuming West passes and North opens, East could double, but that risks losing the five-card spade suit (East isn’t strong enough to double and then bid spades). West, as a passed hand could introduce the hearts, but supporting with support is my advice. North’s 3♦ is non- forcing, so South is likely done. But is East? With the double-fit, bidding on is the winner (probably for both sides) — so the key to his deal might be whether or not East-West uncover their heart fit.

24 Board 25 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 25Board 25 ♠ K Q 10 7 2 Board Score 26Board 26 points ♠ K Q 9 3 2 North Deals ♥ 10 9 2 East Deals ♥ A E-W Vul ♦ 9 5 3 BothBoard Vul 25 ♦ 8 4 2 ♣ 10 4 100 ♣ A 9 8 7 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 5 4 N 8 6 3 500J 10 8 6 99 N — ♥ ♥ 300♥ 97 ♥ Q 8 6 4 3 WE A 5 K Q 9 6 WE J 8 7 ♦ ♦ 2♦00 93 ♦ 8 2 S A K J 7 4 K J 9 S Q 10 7 6 3 ♣ K 7 5 ♣ A J 2 110♣ 6 2 89 ♣ K J 10 5 3 ♠ A J 100 79 ♠ A 7 5 4 ♥ K J 7 -50 66 ♥ 10 5 4 3 2 ♦ Q 10 6 -90 62 ♦ A 5 ♣ Q 9 8 6 3 -100 54 ♣ Q 4 -110 44 -120 40 EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; Par −110 NS 4♠; NS 2N; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; -140 32 Par +620 -150 21 -170 15 West North East South -180 14 Pass 1NT Pass -200 8 2♦ Pass 2♥ Pass -300 3 Pass ?? -500 2 -600 1 0 Yes, I know many open five-card weak two’s (I used to have such a partner), and if ever there was a time to do it, this is it (not vul and a great suit). However, I’ve shown the mainstream pass. In my opinion, East’s hand is worth 18, so I would open 1♦ planning to rebid 2NT, but again, I’ve shown the mainstream Board 27Board 27 ♠ 6 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A J action of “bean-counting” and opening 1NT. South Deals ♥ 8 7 West Deals ♥ J 10 7 4 with North’s hand is extremely risky, None Vul ♦ A Q 10 8 7 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 but I’d probably do it (I can’t stand minus 110). ♣ 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 8 5 3 2 Might East now try 3♦? Meanwhile, my idea of ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ opening10 8 4 1♦ would likelyN get Aour K Qside 7 2 a minus Q 10 6 5 4 N K 9 8 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ score.K 6 5At 3 least I’mWE honest. Q J 9 4 A 9 8 6 WE K 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 5 4 3 S 9 A 3 2 S 9 7 5 4 ♣ 9 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ 7 ♣ 10 4 ♠ J 9 5 3 ♠ 7 2 ♥ A 10 2 ♥ Q 3 ♦ 6 ♦ K Q J 8 ♣ K J 8 7 5 ♣ A Q J 9 6

E 4♥; EW 3♠; W 3♥; E 2N; NS 2♣25; NS 1♦; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1♦; Par +100: Par −420 EW 3♠×−1 Board 26 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals Both Vul N-S Match- Board 25Board 25 ♠ K Q 10 7 2 Board 26Board 26 ♠ K Q 9 3 2 Score points North Deals ♥ 10 9 2 East Deals ♥ A E-W Vul ♦ 9 5 3 Both Vul ♦ 8 4 2 Board 26 ♣ 10 4 ♣ A 9 8 7 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 5 4 N 8 6 3 J 10 8 6 N — 990 96 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 790 92 Q 8 6 4 3 WE A 5 K Q 9 6 WE J 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 650 82 8 2 S A K J 7 4 K J 9 S Q 10 7 6 3 ♣ K 7 5 ♣ A J 2 ♣ 6 2 ♣ K J 10 5 3 620 51 ♠ A J ♠ A 7 5 4 500 24 ♥ K J 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 2 400 23 ♦ Q 10 6 ♦ A 5 300 22 ♣ Q 9 8 6 3 ♣ Q 4 200 20 170 14 140 9 EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; Par −110 NS 4♠; NS 2N; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; -100 6 Par +620 -200 2 0 West North East South Pass Pass Pass 1♠ 1NT ??

Some explaining is needed here. As a passed hand, East’s 1NT can’t be natural, so it shows the minors (safer than 2NT). As to the question mark, partnership agreement is needed. How does South show a strong spade raise? Jumps in competition are typically weak, so that rules out 3♠. Since 1NT is minors, there are actually two cuebids (2♣ or 2♦) available. Which one shows spade support? Maybe 2NT (not needed Board 27Board 27 ♠ 6 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A J as natural) is the cuebid raise. If East enters South Deals ♥ 8 7 West Deals ♥ J 10 7 4 as shown, likely many misunderstandings None Vul ♦ A Q 10 8 7 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 will result. Even with the bad trump split, the ♣ ♣ 10 6 4 3 computer still thinksK 8 54 ♠3 2makes, but the play ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 8 4 N A K Q 7 2 is complicated.Q 10 6 5 4 DeclarerN has Ka 9lot 8 of3 minor-suit ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 6 5 3 WE Q J 9 4 losersA 9 in8 6his handWE to deal with.K 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 5 4 3 S 9 A 3 2 S 9 7 5 4 ♣ 9 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ 7 ♣ 10 4 ♠ J 9 5 3 ♠ 7 2 ♥ A 10 2 ♥ Q 3 ♦ 6 ♦ K Q J 8 ♣ K J 8 7 5 ♣ A Q J 9 6

E 4♥; EW 3♠; W 3♥; E 2N; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1♦; Par +100: 26 Par −420 EW 3♠×−1 Board 25Board 25 ♠ K Q 10 7 2 Board 26Board 26 ♠ K Q 9 3 2 North Deals ♥ 10 9 2 East Deals ♥ A E-W Vul ♦ 9 5 3 Both Vul ♦ 8 4 2 ♣ 10 4 ♣ A 9 8 7 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 5 4 N 8 6 3 J 10 8 6 N — ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 6 4 3 WE A 5 K Q 9 6 WE J 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 2 S A K J 7 4 K J 9 S Q 10 7 6 3 ♣ K 7 5 ♣ A J 2 ♣ 6 2 ♣ K J 10 5 3 ♠ A J ♠ A 7 5 4 ♥ K J 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 2 ♦ Q 10 6 ♦ A 5 ♣ Q 9 8 6 3 ♣ Q 4

EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; Par −110 NS 4♠; NS 2N; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par +620

Board 27 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE None Vul N-S Match- Board 27Board 27 ♠ 6 BoardScore 28Board 28points ♠ A J South Deals ♥ 8 7 West Deals ♥ J 10 7 4 None Vul ♦ A Q 10 8 7 2 N-SBoard Vul 27 ♦ 10 6 ♣ 10 6 4 3 100 ♣ K 8 5 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 8 4 N A K Q 7 2 150Q 10 6 598 4 N K 9 8 3 ♥ ♥ 100♥ 96 ♥ K 6 5 3 WE Q J 9 4 A 9 8 6 WE K 5 2 ♦ ♦ 50♦ 86 ♦ K J 5 4 3 S 9 A 3 2 S 9 7 5 4 ♣ 9 ♣ A Q 2 -100♣ 7 70 ♣ 10 4 ♠ J 9 5 3 -140 62 ♠ 7 2 ♥ A 10 2 -150 60 ♥ Q 3 ♦ 6 -170 59 ♦ K Q J 8 ♣ K J 8 7 5 -300 42 ♣ A Q J 9 6 -400 25 -420 17 E 4♥; EW 3♠; W 3♥; E 2N; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1♦; Par +100: -450 9 ♠ Par −420 -500EW 3 ×−1 5 -590 1 West North East South 0 Pass Pass 2♦ Dbl Pass 2♥ Pass 3♦ Pass 3NT Pass 4♥ All Pass

Personally, third-seat white, I would open 3♦ and could end up playing there when West leaves in East’s double. However, that might not be so bad as the damage will be less than the score of a bid and made game. After a more “normal” 2♦, the auction shown seems about right. I’d rather pull with West’s hand on only the two level and with a reasonable four-card major to bid (in addition to sitting in front of the diamond bidder). Both 4♥ and 4♠ are complicated contracts; just a glance at the double-dummy result isn’t enough to fully understand all the possible variations in the declarer play and defense. I expect this to be a “slow” deal in that there are likely to be pauses for thought at many points in the play.

27 Board 25Board 25 ♠ K Q 10 7 2 Board 26Board 26 ♠ K Q 9 3 2 North Deals ♥ 10 9 2 East Deals ♥ A E-W Vul ♦ 9 5 3 Both Vul ♦ 8 4 2 ♣ 10 4 ♣ A 9 8 7 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 5 4 N 8 6 3 J 10 8 6 N — ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 6 4 3 WE A 5 K Q 9 6 WE J 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 2 S A K J 7 4 K J 9 S Q 10 7 6 3 ♣ K 7 5 ♣ A J 2 ♣ 6 2 ♣ K J 10 5 3 ♠ A J ♠ A 7 5 4 ♥ K J 7 ♥ 10 5 4 3 2 ♦ Q 10 6 ♦ A 5 ♣ Q 9 8 6 3 ♣ Q 4

EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; EW 1♣; Par −110 NS 4♠; NS 2N; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par +620

Board 28 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 27Board 27 ♠ 6 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A J Score points South Deals ♥ 8 7 West Deals ♥ J 10 7 4 None Vul ♦ A Q 10 8 7 2 N-S Vul ♦ 10 6 Board 28 ♣ 10 6 4 3 ♣ K 8 5 3 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 8 4 N A K Q 7 2 Q 10 6 5 4 N K 9 8 3 600 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 500 97 K 6 5 3 WE Q J 9 4 A 9 8 6 WE K 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 300 94 K J 5 4 3 S 9 A 3 2 S 9 7 5 4 ♣ 9 ♣ A Q 2 ♣ 7 ♣ 10 4 150 92 ♠ J 9 5 3 ♠ 7 2 130 91 ♥ A 10 2 ♥ Q 3 110 86 100 80 ♦ 6 ♦ K Q J 8 50 75 ♣ K J 8 7 5 ♣ A Q J 9 6 -100 55 -110 37 ♥ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ ♠ ♣ ♦ E 4 ; EW 3 ; W 3 ; E 2N; NS 2 ; NS 1 ; EW 2 ; NS 3 ; NS 1 ; Par +100: -200 28 Par −420 EW 3♠×−1 -300 13 -400 6 West North East South -500 4 1 ♠ Pass 2♠ 2NT -530 1 Pass 3♠ Pass 4♣ 0 Pass Pass Pass

I know, you wouldn’t open with 10 points. The West hand is not 10 points. Two aces, a decent five-card suit and a singleton, combined with the favorable vulnerability make this much better than opening a vulnerable 1♣ with this “13”: ♠Q J x ♥K Q x ♦Q J x ♣Q x x x. South’s 2NT shows two suits (presumed to be minors) and North maybe overreacts a bit (3♠ just shows a good hand), which gets his side one level too high. In any event, North was never going to sell out to 3♠. A spade lead holds North-South to nine tricks. Meanwhile, eight tricks are the limit for East-West; this is a deal where there are 19 trumps but only 17 tricks — nothing is perfect.

28 Board 29 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE Both Vul N-S Match- Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q 9 8 5 Board Score 30Board 30points ♠ 8 3 North Deals ♥ — East Deals ♥ A 9 4 Both Vul ♦ A Q 10 5 4 NoneBoard Vul 29 ♦ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 100 ♣ 10 7 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 6 4 N 7 2 990Q J 10 2 95 N K 9 7 ♥ ♥ 9♥30 93 ♥ J 8 7 5 WE A 10 9 4 3 2 K Q 10 8 3 WE J 7 2 ♦ ♦ 800♦ 87 ♦ 9 6 S K A 8 6 S K J 5 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ A K 7 6 7♣904 79 ♣ A Q 6 2 ♠ A J 10 3 750 76 ♠ A 6 5 4 ♥ K Q 6 650 72 ♥ 6 5 ♦ J 8 7 3 2 620 64 ♦ Q 4 600 57 ♣ 10 ♣ K J 9 8 3 500 51 ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ 200 ♠ 41 ♥ ♠ ♦ NS 4 ; NS 5 ; EW 3 ; N 2N; S 1N; EW 1 ; 17E 4N;0 E 4 35; EW 4 ; W 3 ; W 1N; EW 2 ; ♥ ♣ Par +500: EW 5 ×−2 140EW 1 ; Par −430 31 130 28 West North East South 100 26 1♦ 1♥ Dbl -100 17 3♥ 3♠ 4♥ 4♠ -110 10 Pass Pass Pass -140 9 -200 6 Modern aggressive bidding all around, here. -300 3 Light opening, but I’m OK with it since there is -500 2 no rebid problem. Pushy vulnerable preempt -730 1 by West and aggressive 3♠ by North (should 0 really have a little extra, but the heart is like an ace on this auction). South might be tempted to double 4♥ and probably would if the minors were reversed. Here, with the Board 31Board 31 ♠ K 8 5 3 Board 32Board 32 ♠ A 10 7 3 secondary diamond fit, I like trying for 620 ♥ ♥ Southinstead Deals of an unlikelyA K 10 800. 8 6 Will declarer guess West Deals J ♦ ♦ N-Sdiamonds? Vul Possibly,6 especially if West has E-W Vul 8 4 2 ♣ ♣ already shown upA with Q 6 the ♠K. A 9 6 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 9 N A 6 4 9 5 N K Q 8 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 3 WE 9 7 4 2 Q 10 3 WE A K 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 8 7 5 3 S 9 4 K Q 7 6 3 S J 10 9 ♣ K J 10 ♣ 9 8 5 4 ♣ J 10 8 ♣ 5 4 ♠ Q 10 7 2 ♠ J 4 2 ♥ Q J 5 ♥ 7 6 5 4 2 ♦ K Q 2 ♦ A 5 ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 7

NS 5♥; NS 4N; NS 4♠; EW 2♦; NS 229♣; N 2♠; NS 1N; NS 2♣; S 1♠; EW 1♥; EW 1♦; Par +650 Par +110 Board 30 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals None Vul N-S Match- Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q 9 8 5 Board 30Board 30 ♠ 8 3 Score points North Deals ♥ — East Deals ♥ A 9 4 Both Vul ♦ A Q 10 5 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 3 2 Board 30 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ 10 7 5 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 6 4 N 7 2 Q J 10 2 N K 9 7 100 98 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 50 89 J 8 7 5 WE A 10 9 4 3 2 K Q 10 8 3 WE J 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ -120 83 9 6 S K A 8 6 S K J 5 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ A K 7 6 ♣ 4 ♣ A Q 6 2 -140 82 ♠ A J 10 3 ♠ A 6 5 4 -300 81 ♥ K Q 6 ♥ 6 5 -400 80 ♦ J 8 7 3 2 ♦ Q 4 -420 50 -430 20 ♣ 10 ♣ K J 9 8 3 -450 11 -460 3 NS 4♠; NS 5♦; EW 3♥; N 2N; S 1N; EW 1♣; E 4N; E 4♠; EW 4♥; W 3♠; W 1N; EW 2♦; 0 Par +500: EW 5♥×−2 EW 1♣; Par −430

West North East South 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 2♠ Pass 2NT Pass 3NT Pass Pass Pass

At his second turn, West has choices. He could use new minor, but 2♠ can’t be all that bad. East suspects a 5-3 heart fit and maybe should bid 3♥. However, he is so loaded in the minors that I’ve shown 2NT. West could pass (given that we open all 12’s not vul), but I like his trick source and two major-suit 10s, so Board 31Board 31 ♠ K 8 5 3 Board 32Board 32 ♠ A 10 7 3 game it is (he could pattern out with 3♦). As South Deals ♥ A K 10 8 6 West Deals ♥ J East expected, notrump plays nicely, with his N-S Vul ♦ 6 E-W Vul ♦ 8 4 2 minor-suit honors well protected. If clubs are ♣ ♣ A Q 6 led, declarer will haveA 9 6 to 3 guess2 which major to ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 9 N A 6 4 play9 5first (spades isN the winner,K Q 8but 6 he might ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 3 WE 9 7 4 2 chooseQ 10 3hearts andWE go down).A IK suppose 9 8 4♥ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 8 7 5 3 S 9 4 is probablyK Q 7 6 3 better afterS all (thoughJ 10 9 there is ♣ K J 10 ♣ 9 8 5 4 some♣ J 10 guessing 8 involved). ♣ 5 4 ♠ Q 10 7 2 ♠ J 4 2 ♥ Q J 5 ♥ 7 6 5 4 2 ♦ K Q 2 ♦ A 5 ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 7

NS 5♥; NS 4N; NS 4♠; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; N 2♠; NS 1N; NS 2♣; S 1♠; EW 1♥30; EW 1♦; Par +650 Par +110 Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q 9 8 5 Board 30Board 30 ♠ 8 3 North Deals ♥ — East Deals ♥ A 9 4 Both Vul ♦ A Q 10 5 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ 10 7 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 6 4 N 7 2 Q J 10 2 N K 9 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 5 WE A 10 9 4 3 2 K Q 10 8 3 WE J 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 6 S K A 8 6 S K J 5 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ A K 7 6 ♣ 4 ♣ A Q 6 2 ♠ A J 10 3 ♠ A 6 5 4 ♥ K Q 6 ♥ 6 5 ♦ J 8 7 3 2 ♦ Q 4 ♣ 10 ♣ K J 9 8 3

NS 4♠; NS 5♦; EW 3♥; N 2N; S 1N; EW 1♣; E 4N; E 4♠; EW 4♥; W 3♠; W 1N; EW 2♦; Par +500: EW 5♥×−2 EW 1♣; Par −430

Board 31 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 31Board 31 ♠ K 8 5 3 ScoreBoard points32Board 32 ♠ A 10 7 3 South Deals ♥ A K 10 8 6 West Deals ♥ J N-S Vul ♦ 6 BoardE-W Vul31 ♦ 8 4 2 ♣ A Q 6 100 ♣ A 9 6 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 9 N A 6 4 800 9 5 98 N K Q 8 6 ♥ ♥ 660♥ 91 ♥ 3 WE 9 7 4 2 Q 10 3 WE A K 9 8 ♦ ♦ 650♦ 80 ♦ A J 10 8 7 5 3 S 9 4 K Q 7 6 3 S J 10 9 ♣ K J 10 ♣ 9 8 5 4 630♣ J 10 8 67 ♣ 5 4 ♠ Q 10 7 2 620 43 ♠ J 4 2 ♥ Q J 5 600 26 ♥ 7 6 5 4 2 500 24 ♦ K Q 2 ♦ A 5 300 23 ♣ 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 7 200 22 170 21 ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ NS 5 ; NS 4N; NS 4 ; EW 2 ; NS 2 ; -100N 2 ; NS 1N; 13 NS 2 ; S 1 ; EW 1 ; EW 1 ; Par +650 -200P ar +110 4 -300 1 West North East South 0 Pass 3♦ Dbl Pass 3NT Pass Pass Pass

West is a little heavy, but it’s second seat (where normally you are somewhat sound), so I am happy with the preempt. North could overcall 3♥, but double is more flexible. South could bid spades, but his diamonds scream notrump. Besides, he’d want to bid 3 ½ spades, and this way he can try for a nine-trick game. After the ♦J lead, declarer should (West is unlikely to also hold the spade ace). Will West now clear diamonds (with no )? If he does, declarer will be afraid to take the spade finesse late in the day and will end up making 10 tricks for 430. Four spades is held to four by a heart ruff. Hearts might make 11 tricks if declarer guesses spades.

31 Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q 9 8 5 Board 30Board 30 ♠ 8 3 North Deals ♥ — East Deals ♥ A 9 4 Both Vul ♦ A Q 10 5 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ Q 9 3 2 ♣ 10 7 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 6 4 N 7 2 Q J 10 2 N K 9 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 5 WE A 10 9 4 3 2 K Q 10 8 3 WE J 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 6 S K A 8 6 S K J 5 ♣ J 8 5 4 ♣ A K 7 6 ♣ 4 ♣ A Q 6 2 ♠ A J 10 3 ♠ A 6 5 4 ♥ K Q 6 ♥ 6 5 ♦ J 8 7 3 2 ♦ Q 4 ♣ 10 ♣ K J 9 8 3

NS 4♠; NS 5♦; EW 3♥; N 2N; S 1N; EW 1♣; E 4N; E 4♠; EW 4♥; W 3♠; W 1N; EW 2♦; Par +500: EW 5♥×−2 EW 1♣; Par −430

Board 32 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals E-w Vul N-S Match- Board 31Board 31 ♠ K 8 5 3 Board 32Board 32 ♠ A 10 7 3 Score points South Deals ♥ A K 10 8 6 West Deals ♥ J N-S Vul ♦ 6 E-W Vul ♦ 8 4 2 Board 32 ♣ A Q 6 ♣ A 9 6 3 2 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 530 99 J 9 N A 6 4 9 5 N K Q 8 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 500 98 3 WE 9 7 4 2 Q 10 3 WE A K 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 470 96 A J 10 8 7 5 3 S 9 4 K Q 7 6 3 S J 10 9 ♣ K J 10 ♣ 9 8 5 4 ♣ J 10 8 ♣ 5 4 300 95 ♠ Q 10 7 2 ♠ J 4 2 200 87 140 80 ♥ Q J 5 ♥ 7 6 5 4 2 110 75 ♦ K Q 2 ♦ A 5 ♣ ♣ 100 59 7 3 2 K Q 7 -50 43 -90 38 ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ NS 5 ; NS 4N; NS 4 ; EW 2 ; NS 2 ; N 2 ; NS 1N; NS 2 ; S 1 ; EW 1 ; EW 1 ; -100 34 Par +650 Par +110 -110 22 -120 12 West North East South -130 11 Pass Pass 1♦ Pass -150 8 3♦ Pass Pass Pass -180 7 -210 6 South could overcall, but facing a passed -300 5 partner and with such a horrible (beyond -500 4 horrible, really) suit, I’ve shown a pass. -600 3 West sort of has a limit raise, but maybe not. -670 1 Many play and this hand is 0 too good for 3♦ weak but not really good enough for 2♦ inverted. I wish I could have shown a 2 ½ diamond bid which would fit either inverted minors or standard. Declarer has four top losers, so it is a question of if the defenders can arrange their heart ruffs in time.

32 Board 33 MATCHPOINT North Deals TABLE None Vul N-S Match- Board 33Board 33 ♠ — BoardScore 34Board 34points ♠ A 8 7 North Deals ♥ K 10 9 7 East Deals ♥ 8 5 2 None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 5 4 N-SBoard Vul 33 ♦ 7 4 2 ♣ K 9 5 2 100 ♣ Q 9 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 8 5 2 N Q 7 6 4 15010 6 3 97 N J 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 4 3 WE A 5 2 1206 4 95 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦110 94 ♦ A K S J 9 3 A K Q J 8 6 5 S 10 9 ♣ J 4 ♣ A 8 7 ♣1005 81 ♣ A J 10 8 2 ♠ A 10 9 3 50 46 ♠ K Q 9 4 2 ♥ J 6 -50 23 ♥ A K J 9 ♦ Q 8 2 -100 22 ♦ 3 ♣ Q 10 6 3 -110 19 ♣ K 7 6 -140 14 -150 12 EW 3♠; EW 2N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; Par +140 -300 11 Par −140 -420 6 -500 1 West North East South 0 Pass Pass Pass 1♠ Pass 2♣ Pass 2♥ Pass 2♠ Pass Pass Dbl Pass 3♣ Pass Pass 3♠ All Pass

This late in the booklet, I hope they have room for a five-line auction. I figure not many will be reading this far, so I had a little fun. East’s 2♣ is Drury and West has just enough to show a sign of life with 2♥. East has four trump, but flat shape, so I have shown a Board 35Board 35 ♠ J 8 6 5 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ 10 3 signoff in 2♠. Still, East does have two aces, South Deals ♥ K 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 3 so maybe should cooperate. North, who could ♦ ♦ E-Whave Vul acted earlier,10 can’t 5 3 sell out to 2♠ in my Both Vul A Q 10 7 6 5 ♣ ♣ book(let). Over 3A♣ 7, East could double, but 10 8 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ with9 7nine 3 trumps, heN goes toA the Q 10three 4 level. 8 7 N 9 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ DeclarerA Q 6 5can actuallyWE pick upJ trump10 8 for only Q J 10 7 6 5 WE A 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ one8 loser, but can heS also dealA 9with 7 4 his2 fourth 8 4 S K J 9 2 round♣ J 10 of6 5hearts? 4 The computer♣ 8 thinks so. ♣ A Q J ♣ K 6 5 3 ♠ K ♠ A K Q J 6 4 2 ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 9 8 ♦ K Q J 6 ♦ 3 ♣ K Q 9 3 2 ♣ 9 7 2

EW 2♠; W 2♥; E 1♥; EW 1♦; NS 133♣; EW 3♥; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 2♦; Par −140 Par −110 Board 34 MATCHPOINT TABLE East Deals N-S Vul N-S Match- Board 33Board 33 ♠ — Board 34Board 34 ♠ A 8 7 Score points North Deals ♥ K 10 9 7 East Deals ♥ 8 5 2 None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 2 Board 34 ♣ K 9 5 2 ♣ Q 9 4 3 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 620 92 K J 8 5 2 N Q 7 6 4 10 6 3 N J 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 500 79 Q 8 4 3 WE A 5 2 6 4 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 300 64 A K S J 9 3 A K Q J 8 6 5 S 10 9 ♣ J 4 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 5 ♣ A J 10 8 2 250 53 ♠ A 10 9 3 ♠ K Q 9 4 2 200 52 170 51 ♥ J 6 ♥ A K J 9 140 44 ♦ Q 8 2 ♦ 3 100 33 ♣ ♣ Q 10 6 3 K 7 6 50 26 -100 14 EW 3♠; EW 2N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; Par +140 -110 4 Par −140 -130 3 -200 2 West North East South -400 1 Pass 1♠ 0 4♦ Pass Pass Dbl Pass 4♠ All Pass

West’s 4♦ preempt is one level higher than “normal.” A seven-card suit is usually for a three-level preempt. Here, facing a passed partner, with a terrific suit (and not 7-2-2- 2) and at favorable vulnerability, I highly recommend bidding one more. South has a routine reopening double and North a normal pull to 4♠ (though passing would work out Board 35Board 35 ♠ J 8 6 5 2 Boardbetter). 36Board 36 Inspired ♠defense10 3 (club to the ace, club South Deals ♥ K 4 3 Westruff Dealsand then an♥ underlead)K 3 would produce E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 Bothan easy Vul down one.♦ AWith Q 10 a 7different 6 5 defense, ♣ A 7 declarer still has ♣troubles;10 8 4 he could lose two ♠ ♠ clubs♠ one diamond, and eventually♠ a heart. 9 7 3 N A Q 10 4 8 7 N 9 5 ♥ ♥ However,♥ if the defense starts♥ with two A Q 6 5 WE J 10 8 Q J 10 7 6 5 WE A 4 2 ♦ ♦ diamonds,♦ declarer can ruff,♦ draw trump and 8 S A 9 7 4 2 8 4 S K J 9 2 ♣ J 10 6 5 4 ♣ 8 endplay♣ A Q JEast in hearts (to break♣ K 6clubs). 5 3 If the preempt is only 3♦, then the final contract ♠ K ♠ A K Q J 6 4 2 would be 3♠. ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 9 8 ♦ K Q J 6 ♦ 3 ♣ K Q 9 3 2 ♣ 9 7 2 34 EW 2♠; W 2♥; E 1♥; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 2♦; Par −140 Par −110 Board 33Board 33 ♠ — Board 34Board 34 ♠ A 8 7 North Deals ♥ K 10 9 7 East Deals ♥ 8 5 2 None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 2 ♣ K 9 5 2 ♣ Q 9 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 8 5 2 N Q 7 6 4 10 6 3 N J 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 4 3 WE A 5 2 6 4 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K S J 9 3 A K Q J 8 6 5 S 10 9 ♣ J 4 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 5 ♣ A J 10 8 2 ♠ A 10 9 3 ♠ K Q 9 4 2 ♥ J 6 ♥ A K J 9 ♦ Q 8 2 ♦ 3 ♣ Q 10 6 3 ♣ K 7 6

EW 3♠; EW 2N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; Par +140 Par −140

Board 35 MATCHPOINT South Deals TABLE E-W Vul N-S Match- Board 35Board 35 ♠ J 8 6 5 2 BoardScore 36Board 36points ♠ 10 3 South Deals ♥ K 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 3 E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 BothBoard Vul 35 ♦ A Q 10 7 6 5 ♣ A 7 100 ♣ 10 8 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 7 3 N A Q 10 4 5008 7 99 N 9 5 ♥ ♥ 400♥ 98 ♥ A Q 6 5 WE J 10 8 Q J 10 7 6 5 WE A 4 2 ♦ ♦ 300♦ 97 ♦ 8 S A 9 7 4 2 8 4 S K J 9 2 ♣ J 10 6 5 4 ♣ 8 2♣00A Q J 91 ♣ K 6 5 3 ♠ K 180 86 ♠ A K Q J 6 4 2 ♥ 9 7 2 150 85 ♥ 9 8 ♦ K Q J 6 120 84 ♦ 3 100 79 ♣ K Q 9 3 2 ♣ 9 7 2 90 72 -50 53 EW 2♠; W 2♥; E 1♥; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 2♦; Par −140 -100 29 Par −110 -150 14 -180 8 West North East South -200 5 1♣ -300 3 Pass 1♠ Pass 1NT 0 Pass Pass Pass

I hope nobody reads this far. I almost always open 1♦ with South’s shape. However, with the singleton being a king, I am willing to start with my longer suit and rebid 1NT. Ugh. If I am doing this, I have to have a partner who doesn’t “correct” to 2♠ with the North hand. With the horrendous lie, North-South should go down in any contract they reach. However, 1NT is likely to make (assuming misdefense) with six tricks in the minors plus a heart. If West leads a fourth-best club, that also gives declarer an easy time.

35 Board 33Board 33 ♠ — Board 34Board 34 ♠ A 8 7 North Deals ♥ K 10 9 7 East Deals ♥ 8 5 2 None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 2 ♣ K 9 5 2 ♣ Q 9 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 8 5 2 N Q 7 6 4 10 6 3 N J 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 8 4 3 WE A 5 2 6 4 WE Q 10 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K S J 9 3 A K Q J 8 6 5 S 10 9 ♣ J 4 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ 5 ♣ A J 10 8 2 ♠ A 10 9 3 ♠ K Q 9 4 2 ♥ J 6 ♥ A K J 9 ♦ Q 8 2 ♦ 3 ♣ Q 10 6 3 ♣ K 7 6

EW 3♠; EW 2N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; Par +140 Par −140

Board 36 MATCHPOINT TABLE West Deals Both Vul N-S Match- Board 35Board 35 ♠ J 8 6 5 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ 10 3 Score points South Deals ♥ K 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 3 E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 Both Vul ♦ A Q 10 7 6 5 Board 36 ♣ A 7 ♣ 10 8 4 100 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 7 3 N A Q 10 4 8 7 N 9 5 730 99 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 630 98 A Q 6 5 WE J 10 8 Q J 10 7 6 5 WE A 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 620 97 8 S A 9 7 4 2 8 4 S K J 9 2 ♣ J 10 6 5 4 ♣ 8 ♣ A Q J ♣ K 6 5 3 600 87 ♠ K ♠ A K Q J 6 4 2 500 78 400 76 ♥ 9 7 2 ♥ 9 8 200 75 ♦ K Q J 6 ♦ 3 ♣ ♣ 170 74 K Q 9 3 2 9 7 2 110 73 100 71 EW 2♠; W 2♥; E 1♥; EW 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3♥; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 2♦; Par −140 PASS 70 Par −110 -100 62 -140 55 West North East South -200 35 2 ♥ Pass 3♥ 3♠ -300 13 Pass 3NT All Pass -500 6 -600 2 This is quite a heavy preempt; I can live with -730 1 1♥ as a viable alternative. East raises lawfully, 0 and after South’s overcall, I have North making an aggressive 3NT bid. Bob Hamman once said: “If 3NT comes to mind, especially if you have Kx in the opponent’s suit, then bid it.” With a heart lead, North will be happy he did. With an unlikely club lead, he would be sorry he ever heard of Bob Hamman — down six!

36 Wrap-Up, Statistics I’m honored to once again be writing up the deals for the ACBL Instant Matchpoint Game. Since I started doing this analysis in 2007, I’ve seen consistent themes come through. First, the fact that you are reading this tells me you are interested in learning more about our wonderful game. Going over hands after playing is, in my opinion, the best way to improve your play. Hopefully, my contributions to your postmortem will allow you to see where you may have gone wrong. We all make mistakes; to understand why and get it right next time puts you on the path to success.

Second, the best thing you can do to improve your score is to focus on the play of the hand. Bidding is important, and we’ll get to that, but the majority of good or bad scores come as a result of play. Work with a partner and discuss your defense; seeing that you allowed 140 when everyone else allowed 110 should be a warning that you didn’t take the right approach. As for bidding, focusing on conventions is a common mistake. In any 36 boards, you might not see a or spiral raise or whatever the flavor-of-the-month convention is. Similarly, slam bidding is not a huge concern at matchpoints. People will always ask how to get to a slam, but if you didn’t bid the one slam, you probably had company.

Finally, as you go through this booklet, look out for light openings and discuss your general approach with partner. Notice how many hands here feature competitive auctions. If you don’t bid enough, you’ll allow your opponents to play contracts cheaply. Pay attention to the vulnerability, but make sure your opponents are tested in both the bidding and play.

Since there is always griping about the computer-dealt hands, here are some statistics regarding the 36 deals:

Statistics for Boards 1-36 North South East West Avg HCP 9.53 9.83 9.78 10.86 Total # Singletons 14 9 11 10 Total # of Voids 3 1 0 1 Total # of 6+ card suits 1 2 2 1 Total # of “balanced” hands 13 16 16 20 THE 33RD ANNUAL ACBL-WIDE

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