Canada Olympiad Fund Game #2 Thursday Afternoon – October 11, 2018 – Set 218034 Analysis by 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 commentator for the for 10 years.

He has won two North American championships, as well as EC Mixed Teams and multiple UK titles. As a professional player, he claims to be the only pro ever to have been shut out by his client from declaring a single in a session – not for want of trying! At college, Rigal 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 ♠ J 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ A K 10 9 5 3 North Deals ♥ J 9 7 6 East Deals ♥ Q J 9 5 NoneBoard Vul 1Board 1 ♦♠ QJ 410 8 6 5 Even the mostN-SBoard Culbertsonian Vul 2Board 2 of Easts♦♠ JA 4wouldK 10 9 open5 3 their hand – North Deals ♣♥ 9J 98 7 6 wouldn’t they?East After Deals East opens 1♣♥ JQand J 9rebids 5 1♠ in response None ♠VulK 6 2 ♦ Q 10 8 6 ♠5 A 10 9 8 to West’s bidN-S of 1 ♥Vul♠, WestQ 7 6seems to♦ haveJ 4 a straightforward♠ J 2 N invitational jump to 2NT. East has no reasonN to bid on now, ♥ A 10 5 2 ♣ 9 8 ♥ 8 4 3 ♥ 8 6 4 ♣ J ♥ K 10 7 3 2 ♠ WE♠ and North will surely♠ lead a diamond,WE letting declarer♠ win the ♦ K 96 2 N ♦ 3A 10 9 8 ♦ KQ Q7 69 N ♦ AJ 210 8 3 ♥ S ♥ second or third diamond♥ and take the clubS .♥ When the ♣ JA 710 2 5 2 WE♣ A8 4K 310 4 3 finesse fails, West ♣has8 6eight 34 2 tricks offWE the top♣ with10K 10 4 very 7 3 few2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 9 2 ♠ Q 7S 5 3 3 chances for more. TheK occasionalQ 9 ♠E/W8 4S pair will Aover-reach 10 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 ♥ K Q ♣ A K 10 4 3 to 3NT; others may♣ play8 6 less3 2 rewarding♥ A partscores,♣ 10 4 so +120 ♦♠ AQ J7 75 43 should score E/W well. ♦♠ 78 64 5 2 ♣♥ QK Q6 5 ♣♥ A K Q 9 7 5 ♦ A J 7 4 ♦ 7 6 5 2 EW 2N; EW 2♠♣; EW 2Q 6 5♥; EW 3♣; NS 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 3N;♣ NS 4A K♣ Q; NS 2 9 7 5♦; NS 1♥; Par −120 Par +620 EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♣; NS 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♣; NS 2♦; NS 1♥; Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ A K 10 9 5 3 A few Easts’ preemptive style will allow them to act at once; a North Deals ♥ J 9 7 6 East DealsPar −120 ♥ Q J 9 5 few more may doublePar +620 after hearing 1♣ to their left and 1♠ to None Vul ♦ Q 10 8 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ J 4 their right. Either way, you’d expect North to drive his side to ♣ 9 8 ♣ J game, most likely 4♠, since the lack of a diamond stop ought ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ to become apparent. If the defenders cash out their diamonds, K 6 2 N A 10 9 8 Q 7 6 N J 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ they hold N/S to 620. After a heart or club lead, declarer A 10 5 2 WE 8 4 3 8 6 4 WE K 10 7 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ can make the overtrick by drawing two rounds of trumps K 9 2 S 3 K Q 9 S A 10 8 3 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ then running the clubs. If North plays to a heart before J 7 2 A K 10 4 3 8 6 3 2 10 4 drawing trumps, East will ruff in from the short spades, so the ♠ Q 7 5 3 ♠ 8 4 defenders still get three tricks. ♥ K Q ♥ A ♦ A J 7 4 ♦ 7 6 5 2 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ A K Q 9 7 5

EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♣; NS 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♣; NS 2♦; NS 1♥; Board 3Board 3 ♠ 2 Board 4Board 4 ♠ K 7 Par −120 Par +620 With a combined 28 HCP, N/S really belong in 3NT, but if they South Deals ♥ 9 7 6 do want to aimWest higher, Deals the most practical♥ J 7 4 3slam today appears E-WBoard Vul 3Board 3 ♦♠ K2 Q J 10 to be 6♣ fromBothBoard the Vul South4Board 4 seat. If clubs♦♠ 8K 7 break 6 3 2 3-2 and spades South Deals ♣♥ A9 77 65 3 2 behave, declarerWest may Deals conceivably♣♥ be9J able74 4 3 to avoid the heart E-W Vul♠ ♦ K Q J 10 ♠ finesse. In practice,Both Vul♠ though, slam ♦is less8 7 6than 3 2 ♠50 percent, and K 8 6 3 N Q 9 5 Q 8 6 3 2 N A 9 5 ♥ J 5 4 2 ♣ A 7 5 3 2♥ K 10 8 3 a 1NT response to South’s♥ 2 1♠ opener♣ 9 will4 surely♥ Asee K QNorth 9 8 ♠ WE♠ declare 3NT on a heart♠ lead. He canWE win the heart♠ finesse, then ♦ 6K 58 36 3 N ♦ 7Q 49 25 ♦ AQ J8 46 3 2 N ♦ QA 95 5 ♥ S ♥ clear clubs, thereby♥ coming to 11 tricks Sfor what♥ looks to be ♣ QJ 54 4 2 WE♣ JK 910 8 8 3 ♣ 72 6 5 2 WE♣ KA JK 3Q 9 8 ♦ ♦ close to an average♦ result. ♦ 6 5 3 ♠ A JS 10 7 4 7 4 2 A J 4 ♠ J 10S 4 Q 5 ♣ Q 4 ♥ A Q ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 7 6 5 2 ♥ 10 6 5 ♣ K J 3 ♦♠ A 9J 108 7 4 ♦♠ KJ 1010 49 ♣♥ KA 10Q 6 ♣♥ A10 Q6 105 8 ♦ A 9 8 ♦ K 10 9 NS 6♦; NS 6♣;♣ NS 5N;K 10 6 NS 4♠; NS 4♥; E 4N; E 4♠; W 3N;♣ A QW 3 10♠ 8; E 3♥; W 2♥; Par +920 EW 2♣; E 1♦; Par −630 ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♠ ♠ ♥ ♥ Board 3Board 3 ♠ 2 BoardNS 6 4Board 4 ; NS 6 ; ♠NS 5N;K 7 NS 4 ; NS 4 ; E 4N; E 4 ; W 3N; W 3 ; E 3 ; W 2 ; South Deals ♥ 9 7 6 WestP Dealsar +920 ♥ J 7 4 3 EW 2♣; E 1♦; Par −630 E-W Vul ♦ K Q J 10 Both Vul ♦ 8 7 6 3 2 ♣ A 7 5 3 2 ♣ 9 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 8 6 3 N Q 9 5 Q 8 6 3 2 N A 9 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 5 4 2 WE K 10 8 3 2 WE A K Q 9 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 6 5 3 S 7 4 2 A J 4 S Q 5 ♣ Q 4 ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 7 6 5 2 ♣ K J 3 ♠ A J 10 7 4 ♠ J 10 4 ♥ A Q ♥ 10 6 5 ♦ A 9 8 ♦ K 10 9 ♣ K 10 6 ♣ A Q 10 8

NS 6♦; NS 6♣; NS 5N; NS 4♠; NS 4♥; E 4N; E 4♠; W 3N; W 3♠; E 3♥; W 2♥; Par +920 EW 2♣; E 1♦; Par −630 Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ A K 10 9 5 3 North Deals ♥ J 9 7 6 East Deals ♥ Q J 9 5 None Vul ♦ Q 10 8 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ J 4 ♣ 9 8 ♣ J ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 6 2 N A 10 9 8 Q 7 6 N J 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 10 5 2 WE 8 4 3 8 6 4 WE K 10 7 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 9 2 S 3 K Q 9 S A 10 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 ♣ A K 10 4 3 ♣ 8 6 3 2 ♣ 10 4 ♠ Q 7 5 3 ♠ 8 4 ♥ K Q ♥ A ♦ A J 7 4 ♦ 7 6 5 2 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ A K Q 9 7 5

EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♣; NS 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♣; NS 2♦; NS 1♥; Par −120 Par +620

Board 3Board 3 ♠ 2 Board 4Board 4 ♠ K 7 In third seat, East may find a practical (if inelegant) 2NT call, as South Deals ♥ 9 7 6 West Deals ♥ J 7 4 3 opposed to opening 1♥. Transfers now get 4♠ played from the E-W Vul ♦ K Q J 10 Both Vul ♦ 8 7 6 3 2 right side. You could hardly blame South for leading a heart ♣ A 7 5 3 2 ♣ 9 4 to the jack and ace, and now declarer might play a low ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ from hand, retaining the ♠A as a later re-. If he does, K 8 6 3 N Q 9 5 Q 8 6 3 2 N A 9 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ he can be defeated by the club ruff. East’s winning line is to J 5 4 2 WE K 10 8 3 2 WE A K Q 9 8 pitch two clubs from dummy on the hearts, ruff out diamonds ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 6 5 3 S 7 4 2 A J 4 S Q 5 and then lead the fourth heart to pitch a club. 4♠ by West is ♣ Q 4 ♣ J 9 8 ♣ 7 6 5 2 ♣ K J 3 doomed on a club lead, of course. ♠ A J 10 7 4 ♠ J 10 4 ♥ A Q ♥ 10 6 5 ♦ A 9 8 ♦ K 10 9 ♣ K 10 6 ♣ A Q 10 8

♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ Board 5Board 5 ♠ ♠ K 8 6 4 ♠3 ♥ ♥ Board 6Board 6 ♠ A 8 6 NS 6 ; NS 6 ; NS 5N; NS 4 ; NS 4 ; Board E 4N;5Board 5 E 4 ; W 3N;♠ K 8 W 36 4 3 ; E 3 ; W 2 ; When N/SBoard start out6Board 6 1 - 2 , any♠ A West 8 6 worth his salt should North Deals♣ ♦ ♥ A K Q 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ ♣ ♥ 8 4 Par +920 North EDealsW 2 ; E 1 ; ♥Par −630A K Q 10 9 6 toEast at leastDeals 4 . Will that♥ 8 inconvenience 4 his opponents N-S Vul ♦ 4 E-W Vul ♦ ♦ K Q 7 6 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ 4 unduly? NorthE-W willVul bid 4♠ if he♦ can,K Q but7 6 it4 may2 be hard for ♣ Q ♣ Q 4 ♣ Q South to work out that his K♣ doesQ 4 not need protecting. 6NT ♠ ♠ ♠ ♦ ♠ ♠ J 7 2 N ♠ Q 9 5 simply requires clubs♠ K 9 to5 break – notN the worst♠ 7 3 slam you’ve ever ♥ N ♥ ♥ N ♥ ♥ 5 3 WE♥ 7 4 2 seen – but only the♥ K lead10 5 of ♦A willWE let it through.♥ A Q J Still,9 7 3 that lead ♦ WE♦ ♦ WE♦ ♦ A Q J 10 7 5 3 S ♦ 8 6 2 wouldn’t be absurd♦ A ifJ the club 10 andS eight♦ 5were switched. 6♥ ♣ S ♣ ♣ S ♣ ♣ J ♣ 10 9 7 4 comes home when♣ K spades 8 6 5 3 split. Anyone who♣ A 9judges 7 2 to play ♠ ♠ ♠ A 10 there will earn their good result.♠ Q J 10 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 ♥ 6 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ K 9 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♣ ♣ ♣ A K 8 6 5 3 2 ♣ J 10 ♥ ♠ ♣ ♣ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♥ ♣ ♦ NS 6♥; S 5N; NS 5♠; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♦; W 6N; W 6♥; W 6♣; E 5♥; E 4N; E 5♣; NS 2♦; Par +1400: EW 7♦×−6 NS 1♠; Par −1100: NS 7♦×−5 Board 5Board 5 ♠ K 8 6 4 3 BoardPar +1400: 6Board 6 EW 7♠ ×−6A 8 6 Another deal, anotherNS 1 ; Par −1100: delicate slam. NS 7 On×−5 this occasion, East North Deals ♥ A K Q 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ 8 4 can be defeated in a heart or club slam on the lead of the N-S Vul ♦ 4 E-W Vul ♦ K Q 7 6 4 2 ♠Q. But clubs, hearts and notrump handle well enough from ♣ Q ♣ Q 4 the West seat – though they all need clubs to break 2-2. In ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 7 2 N Q 9 5 K 9 5 N 7 3 practice, you could imagine N/S coming into the bidding and ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ finding their double fits in spades and diamonds; perhaps 5 3 WE 7 4 2 K 10 5 WE A Q J 9 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ sacrificing against game or slam. Absolute par is for North to A Q J 10 7 5 3 S 8 6 2 A J S 5 ♣ J ♣ 10 9 7 4 ♣ K 8 6 5 3 ♣ A 9 7 2 in diamonds over a slam by West, but in real life E/W ♠ A 10 ♠ Q J 10 4 2 are generally going to play 5♣ by West for 620 or hearts by East for 650. ♥ J 8 ♥ 6 2 ♦ K 9 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♣ A K 8 6 5 3 2 ♣ J 10

NS 6♥; S 5N; NS 5♠; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♦; W 6N; W 6♥; W 6♣; E 5♥; E 4N; E 5♣; NS 2♦; ♦ ♠ ♠ ♦ ♠ Par +1400: EW 7 ×−6 BoardN 7Board 7S 1 ; Par −1100:♠ 8 NS 7 ×−5 A typical auctionBoard 8Board 8 will see South♠ openA Q 10 1♣ 9, 3with East overcalling ♥ ♥ South Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 1♠ over North’sWest Deals1♥ response. When♥ 5 2 South cannot make a ♦ ♦ Both Vul ♦ K 3 ,None VulNorth will jump♦ Jto 8 3 6♣ 4. That rates to end the ♣ ♣ ♣ A 10 8 5 2 bidding, and the defenders are♣ likely4 2 to lead spades rather ♠ ♠ than diamonds and♠ concede 130. Heart partscores♠ by North ♠ Q 10 N ♠ A 7 6 5 3 2 ♠ K J 7 N ♠ 6 5 2 ♥ N ♥ figure to come ♥home with 140, butN N/S’s♥ best results may ♥ 6 3 2 WE♥ A J 5 ♥ 9 6 WE♥ K J 8 7 3 ♦ WE♦ come from East♦ overbidding in spadesWE and♦ South lowering the ♦ Q 10 9 7 6 4 S ♦ A J ♦ K 10 9 5 2 S ♦ A Q ♣ S ♣ boom on him. Unless♣ the defence slips,S East♣ can be held to ♣ J 7 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 9 8 ♣ Q J 10 ♠ seven tricks in spades. ♠ ♠ K J 9 4 ♠ 8 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ K 4 ♥ A Q 10 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 5 2 ♦ 7 3 ♣ ♣ ♣ K Q 9 4 ♣ A 7 6 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♣ ♣ ♠ ♦ ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ N 4♥; S 3♥; N 4♣; N 2N; S 3♣; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par +620 Par +400 Board 7Board 7 ♠ 8 BoardP 8Board 8ar +620 ♠ A Q 10 9 3 Par +400 South Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 West Deals ♥ 5 2 Both Vul ♦ K 3 None Vul ♦ J 8 6 4 ♣ A 10 8 5 2 ♣ 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 N A 7 6 5 3 2 K J 7 N 6 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 6 3 2 WE A J 5 9 6 WE K J 8 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 10 9 7 6 4 S A J K 10 9 5 2 S A Q ♣ J 7 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 9 8 ♣ Q J 10 ♠ K J 9 4 ♠ 8 4 ♥ K 4 ♥ A Q 10 4 ♦ 8 5 2 ♦ 7 3 ♣ K Q 9 4 ♣ A 7 6 5 3

N 4♥; S 3♥; N 4♣; N 2N; S 3♣; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par +620 Par +400 Board 5Board 5 ♠ K 8 6 4 3 Board 6Board 6 ♠ A 8 6 North Deals ♥ A K Q 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ 8 4 N-S Vul ♦ 4 E-W Vul ♦ K Q 7 6 4 2 ♣ Q ♣ Q 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 7 2 N Q 9 5 K 9 5 N 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 3 WE 7 4 2 K 10 5 WE A Q J 9 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q J 10 7 5 3 S 8 6 2 A J S 5 ♣ J ♣ 10 9 7 4 ♣ K 8 6 5 3 ♣ A 9 7 2 ♠ A 10 ♠ Q J 10 4 2 ♥ J 8 ♥ 6 2 ♦ K 9 ♦ 10 9 8 3 ♣ A K 8 6 5 3 2 ♣ J 10

NS 6♥; S 5N; NS 5♠; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♦; W 6N; W 6♥; W 6♣; E 5♥; E 4N; E 5♣; NS 2♦; Par +1400: EW 7♦×−6 NS 1♠; Par −1100: NS 7♦×−5

Board 7Board 7 ♠ 8 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A Q 10 9 3 In third seat, East will open 1♥, in response to which West will South Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 7 West Deals ♥ 5 2 bid 1NT. Should North risk overcalling 2♠? It is dangerous, Both Vul ♦ K 3 None Vul ♦ J 8 6 4 even at favourable vulnerability, and it is not clear whether the ♣ A 10 8 5 2 ♣ 4 2 action would be successful because the cards lie so well for ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ N/S that they might do better to defend here. Against West’s Q 10 N A 7 6 5 3 2 K J 7 N 6 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 1NT, an initial heart lead generates nine tricks for the defence, 6 3 2 WE A J 5 9 6 WE K J 8 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ with a spade lead probably just earning seven tricks. So, Q 10 9 7 6 4 S A J K 10 9 5 2 S A Q ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ perhaps North will score better in 2♠ after all, where taking J 7 6 3 K 9 8 Q J 10 all the in the right order produces +140. I suspect +110 ♠ ♠ K J 9 4 8 4 may be a more common result. ♥ K 4 ♥ A Q 10 4 ♦ 8 5 2 ♦ 7 3 ♣ K Q 9 4 ♣ A 7 6 5 3

N 4♥; S 3♥; N 4♣; N 2N; S 3♣; EW 1♠; EW 1♦; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 Board 10Board 10 ♠ 9 6 5 3 Par +620 Board P9Board 9ar +400 Q 10 East will probablyBoard 10Board 10 show the majors9 6 if5 North3 opens 1NT but North Deals ♥ A K 4 2 East Deals ♥ — ♦ bid spades over a 1♣ opener. After♦ that, the issue seems to E-W Vul ♦ Q 9 be who willBoth win Vul the battle of the♦ A auction, J 9 6 South in diamonds ♣ ♣ ♣ A J 10 9 6 or E/W in spades. Even though♣ spadesA K 9 8 lie5 very well for E/W, ♠ 9 8 5 ♠ K J 4 3 2 ♠ A J ♠ 8 2 9 8 5 N K J 4 3 2 club ruffs hold themA J to seven tricks.N Meanwhile8 2 N/S have eight ♥ 8 6 ♥ Q J 9 3 ♥ Q 7 ♥ A K J 9 6 5 4 8 6 WE Q J 9 3 tricks on top in diamondsQ 7 (four diamonds,WE acesA K Jand 9 6 kings),5 4 ♦ A K 8 4 ♦ 7 but maneuvering♦ aK ninth Q 8 7 trick 4 looks impossible♦ 10 3 on accurate A K 8 4 S 7 K Q 8 7 4 S 10 3 ♣ Q 8 7 5 ♣ K 4 2 defence, thanks♣ to1010 the 77 334-1 22 trump break. Anyone♣ 6 4 making a ♠ A 7 6 contract here will score very nicely.♠ K Q 10 7 4 ♥ 1010 77 55 ♥ 1010 88 33 22 ♦ J 10 6 5 3 2 ♦ 5 2 ♣ 3 ♣ Q J

W 1N; NS 2♦;; EW 1EW 1♠;; N 1N 1♥;; EW 1EW 1♣;; Par +90Par +90 NS 5♠;; NS 4NS 4♣;; EW 2EW 2♥;; EW 1N;EW 1N; NS 2NS 2♦;; Par +650 Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 Board 10Board 10 ♠ 9 6 5 3 East has a classicPar +650 3♥ preempt (non-vulnerable, some might North Deals ♥ A K 4 2 East Deals ♥ — even open 4♥), perhaps raised to 4♥ by West as a two- E-W Vul ♦ Q 9 Both Vul ♦ A J 9 6 way shot, hoping either that 4♥ or 4♠ would come close to ♣ A J 10 9 6 ♣ A K 9 8 5 making. North must double 4♥, primarily for takeout, letting ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 8 5 N K J 4 3 2 A J N 8 2 South bid 4♠. After a top diamond lead, declarer will lose ♠A ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ and a diamond trick. On a heart lead, South can come to 12 8 6 WE Q J 9 3 Q 7 WE A K J 9 6 5 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ tricks in the form of two hearts ruffs, four spades, five clubs A K 8 4 S 7 K Q 8 7 4 S 10 3 ♣ Q 8 7 5 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ 6 4 and one diamond trick. That overtrick, or East’s escaping for ♠ A 7 6 ♠ K Q 10 7 4 -500 in hearts, will be worth quite a few matchpoints. ♥ 10 7 5 ♥ 10 8 3 2 ♦ J 10 6 5 3 2 ♦ 5 2 ♣ 3 ♣ Q J

W 1N; NS 2♦; EW 1♠; N 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +90 NS 5♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; ♠ ♠ BoardBoard P 11Board 1111ar +650 ♠ 9 3 When WestBoardBoard opens 12Board 1212 1♣, being well♠ J outside5 3 the strong notrump South Deals ♥ 1010 99 44 range, NorthWest will Deals be able to ♥ A 6 in3 diamonds for the lead. None Vul ♦ K Q J 7 6 East shouldN-S still Vul eventually drive♦ 1010the 99 hand44 to 4♠, but South ♣ Q 9 5 will now know what suit to attack.♣ A 6If 3declarer 2 guesses to set ♠ A 7 ♠ Q J 10 8 5 4 up clubs, then take♠ A the K Q spade finesse, he♠ can9 8 come6 2 to 12 A 7 N Q J 10 8 5 4 A K Q N 9 8 6 2 ♥ A Q 5 ♥ J 8 2 tricks painlessly♥ enough.9 7 5 That line is not entirely♥ K J 8 without4 2 risk A Q 5 WE J 8 2 9 7 5 WE K J 8 4 2 ♦ 8 5 3 ♦ A 4 though, because♦ ifA the K Qspade 3 finesse loses♦ J might8 2 there be a 8 5 3 S A 4 A K Q 3 S J 8 2 ♣ A K J 7 4 ♣ 6 3 trump promotion♣ inK 10diamonds? 8 Today simplest♣ 4 is best and A K J 7 4 6 3 results in +480. K 10 8 4 ♠ K 6 2 ♠ 1010 77 44 ♥ K 7 6 3 ♥ Q 10 ♦ 1010 99 22 ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ 1010 88 22 ♣ Q J 9 7 5

EW 6♠;; EW 3EW 3♥;; EW 4EW 4♣;; EW 2N;EW 2N; EW 2EW 2♦;; EW 4♠;; EW 4EW 4♥;; EW 3N;EW 3N; EW 4EW 4♦;; EW 2EW 2♣;; Par −980 Par −420 Board 11Board 11 ♠ 9 3 BoardP 12Board 12ar −980 ♠ J 5 3 Par −420 South Deals ♥ 10 9 4 West Deals ♥ A 6 3 None Vul ♦ K Q J 7 6 N-S Vul ♦ 10 9 4 ♣ Q 9 5 ♣ A 6 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 7 N Q J 10 8 5 4 A K Q N 9 8 6 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A Q 5 WE J 8 2 9 7 5 WE K J 8 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 5 3 S A 4 A K Q 3 S J 8 2 ♣ A K J 7 4 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 8 ♣ 4 ♠ K 6 2 ♠ 10 7 4 ♥ K 7 6 3 ♥ Q 10 ♦ 10 9 2 ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ 10 8 2 ♣ Q J 9 7 5

EW 6♠; EW 3♥; EW 4♣; EW 2N; EW 2♦; EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 4♦; EW 2♣; Par −980 Par −420 Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 Board 10Board 10 ♠ 9 6 5 3 North Deals ♥ A K 4 2 East Deals ♥ — E-W Vul ♦ Q 9 Both Vul ♦ A J 9 6 ♣ A J 10 9 6 ♣ A K 9 8 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 8 5 N K J 4 3 2 A J N 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 6 WE Q J 9 3 Q 7 WE A K J 9 6 5 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K 8 4 S 7 K Q 8 7 4 S 10 3 ♣ Q 8 7 5 ♣ K 4 2 ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ 6 4 ♠ A 7 6 ♠ K Q 10 7 4 ♥ 10 7 5 ♥ 10 8 3 2 ♦ J 10 6 5 3 2 ♦ 5 2 ♣ 3 ♣ Q J

W 1N; NS 2♦; EW 1♠; N 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +90 NS 5♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; Par +650

Board 11Board 11 ♠ 9 3 Board 12Board 12 ♠ J 5 3 East will surely drive to game in response to a 2NT opening South Deals ♥ 10 9 4 West Deals ♥ A 6 3 bid by West. He can either transfer into hearts and bid spades None Vul ♦ K Q J 7 6 N-S Vul ♦ 10 9 4 or use Smolen (Stayman followed by bidding his four-card ♣ Q 9 5 ♣ A 6 3 2 major to show 5-4 in the majors). Either way, E/W rate to end ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ up in 4♥ — a wise decision in theory, since on a club lead A 7 N Q J 10 8 5 4 A K Q N 9 8 6 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 3NT is very fortunate to succeed. Against 4♥, North ought to A Q 5 WE J 8 2 9 7 5 WE K J 8 4 2 ♦ 8 5 3 ♦ A 4 ♦ A K Q 3 ♦ J 8 2 attack diamonds, and declarer will simply have to avoid losing S S three heart tricks to make his game. Alas for him, the trumps ♣ A K J 7 4 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 10 8 ♣ 4 ♠ ♠ lie in such a way that quite a few Wests will end up with egg all K 6 2 10 7 4 over their faces. ♥ K 7 6 3 ♥ Q 10 ♦ 10 9 2 ♦ 7 6 5 ♣ 10 8 2 ♣ Q J 9 7 5

EW 6♠; EW 3♥; EW 4♣; EW 2N; EW 2♦; EW 4♠; EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 4♦; EW 2♣; Board 13Board 13 ♠ A K 7 5 3 2 Board 14Board 14 ♠ 10 9 Par −980 Board Par −42013Board 13 ♠ A K 7 5 3 2 There seemsBoard little 14Board 14 reason for♠ North10 9 to do anything but open North Deals ♥ J 5 East Deals ♥ 10 9 4 North Deals ♥ J 5 2♠, whichEast East Deals will double for♥ 10 takeout. 9 4 South can redouble — Both Vul ♦ 2 None Vul ♦ 10 8 7 4 Both Vul ♦ 2 planningNone to double Vul whatever♦ E/W10 8 7run 4 to — or pass and double ♣ J 10 9 5 ♣ K Q 10 9 ♣ J 10 9 5 the next time if that is more♣ unequivocallyK Q 10 9 penalty. If South ♠ J 10 9 6 4 ♠ Q ♠ A Q 4 2 ♠ 8 7 6 5 3 ♠ J 10 9 6 4 N ♠ Q passes, initially,♠ mightA Q 4 West2 crossN his fingers♠ 8 7 6 and5 3 pass as well? ♥ 10 8 N ♥ Q 6 4 2 ♥ 5 N ♥ 8 7 ♥ 10 8 WE♥ Q 6 4 2 The defenders♥ have5 three trumpWE tricks♥ and8 7 two clubs, but no ♦ 9 4 3 WE♦ K J 10 7 6 ♦ J 9 5 3 WE♦ A 6 2 ♦ 9 4 3 S ♦ K J 10 7 6 more. Even conceding♦ J 9 5 3 -670 mayS be cheap♦ A 6by 2 comparison ♣ Q 8 2 S ♣ A 4 3 to the fate of a♣ doubledJ 7 6 3 E/W contract,S ♣ allA of 5 2which go for at ♣ Q 8 2 ♣ A 4 3 ♣ J 7 6 3 ♣ A 5 2 ♠ 8 least 800. Any East who manages♠ K J to pass 2♠ will be richly ♠ 8 ♠ K J ♥ A K 9 7 3 rewarded for his discretion. ♥ A K Q J 6 3 2 ♥ A K 9 7 3 ♥ A K Q J 6 3 2 ♦ A Q 8 5 ♦ K Q ♦ A Q 8 5 ♦ K Q ♣ K 7 6 ♣ 8 4 ♣ K 7 6 ♣ 8 4 NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♦; W 4♠; E 3♠; NS 3♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −300: NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♦; W 4♠; E 3♠; NS 3♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −300: Par +620 NS 5♥×−2 Board 13Board 13 ♠ A K 7 5 3 2 BoardP 14Board 14ar +620 ♠ 10 9 South is too goodNS 5♥ to×−2 open 4♥ and not good enough to open North Deals ♥ J 5 East Deals ♥ 10 9 4 2♣, so will settle for a call of 1♥. However, when his partner Both Vul ♦ 2 None Vul ♦ 10 8 7 4 responds 1NT, will he be able to stay out of game (be it 4♥ or ♣ J 10 9 5 ♣ K Q 10 9 3NT)? Surely not, but the defenders have four tricks to cash ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 10 9 6 4 N Q A Q 4 2 N 8 7 6 5 3 against 4♥, and 3NT by North does still worse on a spade ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 8 WE Q 6 4 2 5 WE 8 7 lead. So is any game makeable here? Yes and no…with spades ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 4 3 S K J 10 7 6 J 9 5 3 S A 6 2 2-2 and the king onside, together with a major miracle in ♣ Q 8 2 ♣ A 4 3 ♣ J 7 6 3 ♣ A 5 2 diamonds, plus a 4-2 club break, West can technically bring ♠ 8 ♠ K J home 4♠ on very careful play. ♥ A K 9 7 3 ♥ A K Q J 6 3 2 ♦ A Q 8 5 ♦ K Q ♣ K 7 6 ♣ 8 4

NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♦; W 4♠; E 3♠; NS 3♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −300: Par +620 BoardNS 5 15Board 15 ♥×−2 ♠ A Q J Board 16Board 16 ♠ K Q 5 3 Board 15Board 15 ♠ A Q J Board 16Board 16 ♠ K Q 5 3 South Deals ♥ Q 10 7 North shouldWest doubleDeals a 1♠ opener,♥ A J 5 then 4 rebid 2NT to show South Deals ♥ Q 10 7 West Deals ♥ A J 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 5 18-20 pointsE-W afterVul South bids♦ his10 5clubs. 3 South can now raise to N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 5 E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 ♣ A 4 3 3NT, hoping to run the clubs.♣ OnceQ 8 the ♣Q behaves, E/W can ♣ A 4 3 ♣ Q 8 ♠ K 9 8 3 2 ♠ 10 7 6 4 do no better than♠ A takeJ 10 2their top hearts.♠ Worse,6 4 if West parts ♠ K 9 8 3 2 N ♠ 10 7 6 4 with his K at♠ trickA J 10one, 2 declarerN has a♠ strip-squeeze6 4 to make ♥ A K 6 5 N ♥ 9 8 2 ♠ ♥ K 10 2 N ♥ 9 7 6 3 ♥ A K 6 5 WE♥ 9 8 2 690 if he reads♥ theK 10 position. 2 Still,WE +660♥ will9 7 surely 6 3 score N/S ♦ Q 8 7 WE♦ 10 4 2 ♦ A K Q 8 WE♦ J 9 6 2 ♦ Q 8 7 S ♦ 10 4 2 pretty well. At♦ a Afew K Qtables, 8 East Scould♦ getJ 9 creative 6 2 by raising ♣ Q S ♣ 10 8 6 ♣ 6 3 S ♣ K 9 4 ♣ Q ♣ 10 8 6 spades or inventing♣ 6 3 another suit. But he♣ Kwould 9 4 do well to stay ♠ 5 ♠ 9 8 7 ♠ 5 low, as his side can take no more♠ 9 8 than7 six tricks in spades. ♥ J 4 3 ♥ Q 8 ♥ J 4 3 ♥ Q 8 ♦ J 6 3 ♦ 7 4 ♦ J 6 3 ♦ 7 4 ♣ K J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A J 10 7 5 2 ♣ K J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A J 10 7 5 2 NS 5N; NS 5♣; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 1♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; Par +130 NS 5N; NS 5♣; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 1♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; Par +130 Par +660 Board 15Board 15 ♠ A Q J BoardPar +660 16Board 16 ♠ K Q 5 3 South Deals ♥ Q 10 7 West Deals ♥ A J 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 5 E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 ♣ A 4 3 ♣ Q 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 8 3 2 N 10 7 6 4 A J 10 2 N 6 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K 6 5 WE 9 8 2 K 10 2 WE 9 7 6 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 8 7 S 10 4 2 A K Q 8 S J 9 6 2 ♣ Q ♣ 10 8 6 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 9 4 ♠ 5 ♠ 9 8 7 ♥ J 4 3 ♥ Q 8 ♦ J 6 3 ♦ 7 4 ♣ K J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A J 10 7 5 2

NS 5N; NS 5♣; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 1♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♠; EW 1♦; Par +130 Par +660 Board 13Board 13 ♠ A K 7 5 3 2 Board 14Board 14 ♠ 10 9 North Deals ♥ J 5 East Deals ♥ 10 9 4 Both Vul ♦ 2 None Vul ♦ 10 8 7 4 ♣ J 10 9 5 ♣ K Q 10 9 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 10 9 6 4 N Q A Q 4 2 N 8 7 6 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 8 WE Q 6 4 2 5 WE 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 4 3 S K J 10 7 6 J 9 5 3 S A 6 2 ♣ Q 8 2 ♣ A 4 3 ♣ J 7 6 3 ♣ A 5 2 ♠ 8 ♠ K J ♥ A K 9 7 3 ♥ A K Q J 6 3 2 ♦ A Q 8 5 ♦ K Q ♣ K 7 6 ♣ 8 4

NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; NS 2N; NS 2♦; W 4♠; E 3♠; NS 3♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −300: Par +620 NS 5♥×−2

Board 15Board 15 ♠ A Q J Board 16Board 16 ♠ K Q 5 3 Despite his maximum values and small doubleton, few Wests South Deals ♥ Q 10 7 West Deals ♥ A J 5 4 will prefer to open 1♦ to 1NT. A 1NT call is likely to end the N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 5 E-W Vul ♦ 10 5 3 auction, and it rates to escape for down one on a spade lead. ♣ A 4 3 ♣ Q 8 Some Norths will come in to show the majors, but if they bid ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 8 3 2 N 10 7 6 4 A J 10 2 N 6 4 2♣, they may play there if South guesses to pass. Equally, pairs ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ using DONT may get to 2 by North via a different route, A K 6 5 WE 9 8 2 K 10 2 WE 9 7 6 3 ♣ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ when South shows a one-suiter by doubling 1NT. N/S can make Q 8 7 S 10 4 2 A K Q 8 S J 9 6 2 ♣ Q ♣ 10 8 6 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 9 4 a partscore in either black suit, and West might emerge with ♠ 5 ♠ 9 8 7 eight tricks in diamonds on friendly defence. ♥ J 4 3 ♥ Q 8 ♦ J 6 3 ♦ 7 4 ♣ K J 9 7 5 2 ♣ A J 10 7 5 2

NS 5N; NS 5♣; NS 3♥; NS 4♦; NS 1♠; BoardNS 4 17Board 17 ♣; NS 2N; NS 2♠ A ♠Q; EW 17 6 ♦; Par +130 Board 18Board 18 ♠ Q 4 Par +660 BoardNorth Deals17Board 17 ♠♥ AK 9Q 7 6 BoardEast Deals 18Board 18 ♠♥ QK 84 3 ♦ North has a pretty good strong notrump♦ but has no obvious NorthNone VulDeals ♥ K 9J 4 2 reason to upgradeEastN-S Vul Deals out of the range.♥ K After 89 37 3 South transfers to ♣ ♣ None Vul ♦ KA J9 47 2 hearts, NorthN-S will Vul play 2♥ at most♦ tables,KQ 98 74 3 3giving East a blind ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 9 4 ♣ A 9N 7 5 3 2 . A club5 looks3 most ♣effectiveQ 8N 4 3 today;A Kdeclarer 8 7 6 ♠♥ A 10 4 2 ♠♥ 7 5 should the first,♠♥ Q 10take 9 the next, then go♠♥ afterJ 5 trumps. 10 9 4 WEN 5 3 2 5 3 WEN A K 8 7 6 ♥♦ A Q 5 3 ♥♦ 8 7 6 When West wins the♥♦ A second, Q 10 8 6he 4 can take no♥♦ moreJ 5 2 than the A 10 4 2 WES 7 5 Q 10 9 WES J 5 ♦♣ AK JQ 5 3 ♦♣ 8Q 710 6 8 6 4 ♦A and an eventual♦♣ A9 second 2Q 10 8 trump 6 4 trick. If North♦♣ J10 5 makes6 2 5 the S mistake of winning the first club, the Sdefence ought to come to ♣ K J ♠ K J 8 ♣ Q 10 8 6 4 ♣ 9 2 ♠ J 10 9 2 ♣ 10 6 5 five tricks. Anyone reaching game will find 3NT simple to bring ♠♥ KQ JJ 88 6 3 ♠♥ JA 107 69 42 2 home, 4♥ almost impossible. ♥♦ Q10 J9 8 6 3 ♥♦ A— 7 6 4 2 ♦♣ 105 3 9 2 ♦♣ —A K J 7 ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ A K J 7 NS 4♥; NS 3N; NS 3♠; S 3♦; N 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; NS 1N; EW 2♦; NS 1♠; NS 4Par +420♥; NS 3N; NS 3♠; S 3♦; N 2♦; NS 1♣; Par +500:NS 4♥; NS 4 EW 5♣; NS 1N;♦×−3 EW 2♦; NS 1♠; ♠ ♠ Board 17Board 17 A Q 7 6 BoardPar +420 18Board 18 Q 4 At this vulnerability,Par +500: West may EW 5 decide♦×−3 to preempt to 3♦ over North Deals ♥ K 9 East Deals ♥ K 8 3 1♥, despite that ominous heart holding. If he does, North None Vul ♦ K J 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ K 9 7 3 will bid 3♥, and East can throw in a lead-directing 3♠ call, ♣ A 9 7 ♣ Q 8 4 3 prepared to play 4♦. That action may backfire, though, since ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ the last thing he wants to do today is push N/S to 4♥, where 10 9 4 N 5 3 2 5 3 N A K 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 tricks are easy to make, despite dummy’s wasted ♦K and A 10 4 2 WE 7 5 Q 10 9 WE J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ the real possibility of a defensive trump promotion. Par is the A Q 5 3 S 8 7 6 A Q 10 8 6 4 S J 5 2 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ sacrifice in ♦5 doubled for 500. But many will stay out of K J Q 10 8 6 4 9 2 10 6 5 game on the N/S cards. ♠ K J 8 ♠ J 10 9 2 ♥ Q J 8 6 3 ♥ A 7 6 4 2 ♦ 10 9 ♦ — ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ A K J 7

NS 4♥; NS 3N; NS 3♠; S 3♦; N 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; NS 1N; EW 2♦; NS 1♠; ♠ ♠ Par +420 BoardPar +500: 19Board 19 EW 5♦K×−3 Q 2 When SouthBoard opens 20Board 20 1♦, any West whoQ J 4 2 2♣ should BoardSouth Deals19Board 19 ♠♥ K Q 2J 9 6 wash his mouthBoardWest out Deals 20Board 20 with soap and♠♥ waterQA KJ 4Q 2because his hand is SouthE-W Vul Deals ♥♦ KJ 10Q J3 9 6 nowhere nearWestBoth good VulDeals enough. If West♥♦ A passes, K9 3Q North will respond 1 , then either go low by raising 2 to 3 or drive to game E-W Vul ♦♣ J6 102 3 ♥ Both Vul ♦♣♦A5 49 23♦ ♠ ♠ with a call of 2♠. The♠ former action would be♠ wise today; the 10 9 8 ♣ 6 2N J 7 5 4 3 10 9 3 ♣ 5 4N 2 A K 8 7 6 limit of the N/S cards is 3♦, though there is little wrong with ♠♥ 8 3 ♠♥ A 7 4 2 ♠♥ 9 7 ♠♥ J 10 6 5 4 10 9 8 WEN J 7 5 4 3 playing 4♥ — except10 that 9 3 it goes downWEN when diamondsA K 8 7 6 do not ♥♦ Q 9 7 ♥♦ 5 ♥♦ K J 6 ♥♦ 4 8 3 WES A 7 4 2 break. If the defenders9 7 try for diamondWES ruffs, theyJ 10 can 6 5 actually4 ♦♣ A K Q 9 8 ♦♣ 10 5 4 ♦♣ A Q 10 9 3 ♦♣ K 8 Q 9 7 S 5 hold hearts to eight tricks.K J 6 S 4 ♣ A K Q 9 8 ♠ A 6 ♣ 10 5 4 ♣ A Q 10 9 3 ♠ 5 ♣ K 8 ♠♥ A10 65 ♠♥ 58 3 2 ♥♦ 10A K5 8 6 4 2 ♥♦ 8Q 310 2 8 7 5 2 ♦♣ AJ 7K 3 8 6 4 2 ♦♣ QJ 710 6 8 7 5 2 ♣ J 7 3 ♣ J 7 6 NS 2♥; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +110 EW 4♠; EW 3N; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; NS 2♥; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +110 EW 4Par −620♠; EW 3N; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; ♠ ♠ Board 19Board 19 K Q 2 Board 20Board 20 Q J 4 2 Par −620 South Deals ♥ K Q J 9 6 West Deals ♥ A K Q E-W Vul ♦ J 10 3 Both Vul ♦ A 9 3 ♣ 6 2 ♣ 5 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 9 8 N J 7 5 4 3 10 9 3 N A K 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 3 WE A 7 4 2 9 7 WE J 10 6 5 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 7 S 5 K J 6 S 4 ♣ A K Q 9 8 ♣ 10 5 4 ♣ A Q 10 9 3 ♣ K 8 ♠ A 6 ♠ 5 ♥ 10 5 ♥ 8 3 2 ♦ A K 8 6 4 2 ♦ Q 10 8 7 5 2 ♣ J 7 3 ♣ J 7 6

NS 2♥; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +110 EW 4♠; EW 3N; EW 4♣; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; Par −620 Board 17Board 17 ♠ A Q 7 6 Board 18Board 18 ♠ Q 4 North Deals ♥ K 9 East Deals ♥ K 8 3 None Vul ♦ K J 4 2 N-S Vul ♦ K 9 7 3 ♣ A 9 7 ♣ Q 8 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 9 4 N 5 3 2 5 3 N A K 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 10 4 2 WE 7 5 Q 10 9 WE J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 5 3 S 8 7 6 A Q 10 8 6 4 S J 5 2 ♣ K J ♣ Q 10 8 6 4 ♣ 9 2 ♣ 10 6 5 ♠ K J 8 ♠ J 10 9 2 ♥ Q J 8 6 3 ♥ A 7 6 4 2 ♦ 10 9 ♦ — ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ A K J 7

NS 4♥; NS 3N; NS 3♠; S 3♦; N 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 4♥; NS 4♣; NS 1N; EW 2♦; NS 1♠; Par +420 Par +500: EW 5♦×−3

Board 19Board 19 ♠ K Q 2 Board 20Board 20 ♠ Q J 4 2 E/W have only 21 HCP including a wasted ♦K, but 4♠ is South Deals ♥ K Q J 9 6 West Deals ♥ A K Q cold, thanks to a very favourable lie of the trumps. You’d E-W Vul ♦ J 10 3 Both Vul ♦ A 9 3 imagine pessimistic Wests might simply raise 1♠ to 2♠, ♣ 6 2 ♣ 5 4 2 while others will reach game after a limit-raise sequence, ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ whether or not North acts. If the defenders cash their three 10 9 8 N J 7 5 4 3 10 9 3 N A K 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ red-suit winners and lead a third heart, declarer must work 8 3 WE A 7 4 2 9 7 WE J 10 6 5 4 very hard for his game. He has to take two trump finesses, ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 7 S 5 K J 6 S 4 North covering the second. East then plays the ♣K to the ♣ A K Q 9 8 ♣ 10 5 4 ♣ A Q 10 9 3 ♣ K 8 ♣A, takes ♦K and ruffs a diamond, finesses in clubs and ♠ A 6 ♠ 5 catches North in a trump . ♥ 10 5 ♥ 8 3 2 ♦ A K 8 6 4 2 ♦ Q 10 8 7 5 2 ♣ J 7 3 Board 21Board 21 ♣♠ JJ 79 6 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ 3 2 North Deals ♥ 7 5 2 East Deals ♥ 6 NS 2♥; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; Par +110 EW 4♠; EW 3N;♦ EW 4♣; EW 2♥; NS 1♦; ♦ BoardN-S Vul 21Board 21 ♠ JQ 910 5 9 7 2 At the vulnerability,BoardE-W Vul 22Board 22 surely every East♠ 3A 2Qwill J open3 2 3♣ here. Par −620 North Deals ♥♣ 7Q 510 2 South mustEast double Deals to get all the ♥♣suits6Q J into 9 8 play, 5 and West ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ N-S Vul K 10 6 4 2 ♦ Q 10N 9 7 2 Q might well raiseE-W toVul 4A♣ ,Q tempting 10 ♦SouthA QN toJ 3 re-open. 2 K 8 5If 4South ♥ ♣ ♥ doubles again, North♥ will buy the♣ hand in 4 ♥. After the lead K 4 WEQ 10 10 9 8 J 9 8 7 WEQ J 9 8 ♦5 A 5 3 ♠♦ ♠♦ of the ♠Q, declarer♠♦ needs both to ruff a club♠♦ and prevent K 10J 4 6 4 2 NS Q6 3 AK 10Q 104 NS K9 68 5 4 ♥♣ K 49 6 ♥♣ 10A J9 8 8 7 5 4 2 the opponents getting♥♣ JA 96 a 8 3ruff 7 and cannot to do♥♣ A10both. 57 34 The WE best he can do is to take eight tricks.WE However, this may ♦ ♠ A 8 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♠ J 9 7 6 ♦ K J 4 S 6 3 not be a complete disaster,K 10 4 since the will9 6 generate5 ♥ ♣ K 9 6 A Q J 6 3♣ A J 8 7 5 4 2 problems at every♣ table.A 6 3E/W may♥ alsoK Q end10 4 up ♣2 10doubled 7 4 in ♠♦ A 8 75 3 4♣ at a few tables for +510. ♠♦ J8 97 7 6 ♥♣ A3 Q J 6 3 ♥♣ K Q2 10 4 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♦ 8 7 EW 4♣; EW 2N;♣ NS 23 ♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♠; W 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣ K ♣2; S 1♠; S 1♥; Par +90 Par −130 EW 4♣; EW 2N; NS 2♥; NS 2♦; EW 1♠; W 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; S 1♠; S 1♥; Par +90 Board 21Board 21 ♠ J 9 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ 3 2 West’s intermediates may tempt him to open 1NT, but at North Deals ♥ 7 5 2 East DealsPar −130 ♥ 6 this position and vulnerability, opening 1♣ looks to be more N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 9 7 2 E-W Vul ♦ A Q J 3 2 discreet. After a 1♣ call, North will overcall 1♦, letting East ♣ Q 10 ♣ Q J 9 8 5 bid spades and South bid hearts. At this point, it will be ♠ K 10 6 4 2 ♠ Q ♠ A Q 10 ♠ K 8 5 4 “Last bidder gets the zero!” as Bobby Wolff would say. N/S N N are able to take eight tricks in a minor, while E/W cannot ♥ K 4 ♥ 10 9 8 ♥ J 9 8 7 ♥ A 5 3 WE WE take more than seven tricks in any strain, despite holding ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 4 S 6 3 K 10 4 S 9 6 5 the majority of the high cards. So you’d expect very few ♣ K 9 6 ♣ A J 8 7 5 4 2 ♣ A 6 3 ♣ 10 7 4 pairs to succeed in a contract here. ♠ A 8 7 3 ♠ J 9 7 6 ♥ A Q J 6 3 ♥ K Q 10 4 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♦ 8 7 ♣ 3 ♣ K 2

♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ EW 4 ; EW 2N; NS 2 ; NS 2 ; EW 1 ; BoardW 1N; 23Board 23 NS 2 ; NS 2♠ A J ;10 S 1 ; S 1 ; Par +90 When NorthBoard overcalls 24Board 24 1♦ over 1♣♠, QEast J 5 can 4 bid hearts and Par −130 South Deals ♥ 7 West can eitherWest raiseDeals hearts or bid♥ Q spades, 10 7 4 then2 support BoardBoth Vul 23Board 23 ♠♦ A JK 106 5 4 2 hearts. RaisingBoardNone hearts Vul 24Board 24 has much ♠♦toQA recommend J 5 4 it and it South Deals ♥♣ 7Q J 2 gets East toWest the bestDeals strain. On the♥♣ Q face 105 7of 4 it, 2 East has four ♠ ♠ losers in hearts, but♠ the combination of the ♠fall of the ♣8 Both VulK Q 9 8 ♦ A KN 6 5 4 26 5 None Vul7 2 ♦ A JN K 10 9 8 ♥ ♣ ♥ and the ♠J-10 apparently♥ lets declarer♣ take ♥two finesses in A K Q WEQ J 2 J 10 8 5 2 clubs and tackle thatJ 3suit for no loserWEQ 5 to comeA to K 10 8 tricks. ♠♦ ♠♦ ♠♦ ♠♦ K8 7Q 9 8 NS 6J 35 However, after two 7Qtop 210 diamonds, 7 5 4 2 NorthNS can avoidK9 10 this9 8 fate ♥♣ ♥♣ ♥♣ ♥♣ A10 K9 Q6 4 WE JA 10K 78 55 2 by shifting to a spadeJ7 34 intermediate 2 WE or top club.A TheKJ 108 play 9 3 ♦ ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♠ A 6 3 ♦ 8 7 S J 3 may be too complexQ to10 analyze 7 5 4 2 here!S 9 ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♥ 9 6 4 3 ♣ A K 7 5 ♣ 7 4 2 ♥ 9 6 5 ♣ A J 10 9 3 ♠♦ 7Q 410 3 92 ♠♦ AK 86 63 3 ♥♣ 98 36 4 3 ♥♣ 9K 68 56 ♦ Q 10 9 ♦ K 8 6 3 EW 3♥; NS 3♦♣; EW 38 3 ♣; EW 1♠; Par −140 N 3♥; N 2N; S 2♣♥K; S 1N;8 6 EW 2♣; NS 1♠; Par +140 ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♥ ♣ ♠ Board 23Board 23 ♠ A J 10 BoardEW 3 24Board 24 ; NS 3 ♠; EW 3Q J 5 4; EW 1 ; Par −140 N 3 ; N 2N; S 2 ; S 1N; EW 2 ; NS 1 ; South Deals ♥ 7 West Deals ♥ Q 10 7 4 2 Par +140 Both Vul ♦ A K 6 5 4 2 None Vul ♦ A J ♣ Q J 2 ♣ Q 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 9 8 N 6 5 7 2 N K 10 9 8 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K Q WE J 10 8 5 2 J 3 WE A K 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 7 S J 3 Q 10 7 5 4 2 S 9 ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♣ A K 7 5 ♣ 7 4 2 ♣ A J 10 9 3 ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ A 6 3 ♥ 9 6 4 3 ♥ 9 6 5 ♦ Q 10 9 ♦ K 8 6 3 ♣ 8 3 ♣ K 8 6

EW 3♥; NS 3♦; EW 3♣; EW 1♠; Par −140 N 3♥; N 2N; S 2♥; S 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; Par +140 Board 21Board 21 ♠ J 9 5 Board 22Board 22 ♠ 3 2 North Deals ♥ 7 5 2 East Deals ♥ 6 N-S Vul ♦ Q 10 9 7 2 E-W Vul ♦ A Q J 3 2 ♣ Q 10 ♣ Q J 9 8 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 6 4 2 N Q A Q 10 N K 8 5 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 4 WE 10 9 8 J 9 8 7 WE A 5 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 4 S 6 3 K 10 4 S 9 6 5 ♣ K 9 6 ♣ A J 8 7 5 4 2 ♣ A 6 3 ♣ 10 7 4 ♠ A 8 7 3 ♠ J 9 7 6 ♥ A Q J 6 3 ♥ K Q 10 4 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♦ 8 7 ♣ 3 ♣ K 2

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

Board 23Board 23 ♠ A J 10 Board 24Board 24 ♠ Q J 5 4 The North hand poses a severe rebid problem after a forcing South Deals ♥ 7 West Deals ♥ Q 10 7 4 2 notrump response to a 1♥ opener. Today, though, East will Both Vul ♦ A K 6 5 4 2 None Vul ♦ A J doubtless act over 1♥ (be it with a suit bid, double or notrump ♣ Q J 2 ♣ Q 5 overcall). While E/W can make 2♣, N/S will surely buy the ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ contract in hearts at the two or three level. Against 3♥ by K Q 9 8 N 6 5 7 2 N K 10 9 8 North, East might well lead his singleton, hoping to get his ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K Q WE J 10 8 5 2 J 3 WE A K 8 partner in later for a ruff. Declarer now ought to play a club at ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 7 S J 3 Q 10 7 5 4 2 S 9 trick two toward dummy’s king in order to be able to lead a ♣ 10 9 6 4 ♣ A K 7 5 ♣ 7 4 2 ♣ A J 10 9 3 trump to his 10. He can even (luckily) afford to play a diamond ♠ 7 4 3 2 ♠ A 6 3 and concede the ruff, since East gets endplayed later to lose ♥ 9 6 4 3 ♥ 9 6 5 either his club or spade trick. ♦ Q 10 9 ♦ K 8 6 3 ♣ 8 3 ♣ K 8 6 Board 25Board 25 ♠ K 10 6 Board 26Board 26 ♠ J 9 8 5 2 EW 3♥; NS 3♦; EW 3♣; EW 1♠; Par −140 Board N 325Board 25 ♥; N 2N; S 2♠ K♥ ;10 S 1N; 6 EW 2♣; NS 1♠; Board 26Board 26 ♠ J 9 8 5 2 North Deals ♥ K Q 5 3 You’d expectEast a Dealshighly contested♥ Jauction 5 here, with N/S North Deals ♥ K Q 5 3 East Deals ♥ J 5 E-W VulPar +140 ♦ A 10 9 bidding clubs,Both and Vul E/W getting♦ atK Qleast 10 6two 4 of the other three E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 Both Vul ♦ K Q 10 6 4 ♣ 8 7 4 suits into play. Against 2♠, N/S♣ haveK five top winners, and ♣ 8 7 4 early trump leads by the defence♣ K leave declarer with too much ♠ A 7 ♠ Q J 8 5 2 ♠ 3 ♠ K Q 4 ♠ A 7 N ♠ Q J 8 5 2 to do in the red ♠suits.3 For example, Nif East♠ tacklesK Q 4 diamonds ♥ 10 7 N ♥ A J 4 2 ♥ A 9 8 4 N ♥ K 10 3 ♥ 10 7 WE♥ A J 4 2 before trumps, he♥ Acould 9 8 4run intoWE a trump ♥promotion.K 10 3 3♣ by ♦ J 8 6 4 3 2 WE♦ K 5 ♦ 8 7 5 3 WE♦ A 9 2 ♦ J 8 6 4 3 2 S ♦ K 5 North is also a plausible♦ 8 7 5 3final contract,S but♦ Adeclarer 9 2 has five ♣ J 10 2 S ♣ Q 3 ♣ A J 5 4 S ♣ 9 8 7 6 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ Q 3 top losers, even ♣onA a J fortunate 5 4 ♦K lead. A♣ spade9 8 7 6lead and ♠ 9 4 3 ♠ A 10 7 6 ♠ 9 4 3 continuation leaves North struggling♠ A 10 to7 6come even to eight ♥ 9 8 6 ♥ Q 7 6 2 ♥ 9 8 6 tricks there. ♥ Q 7 6 2 ♦ Q 7 ♦ J ♦ Q 7 ♦ J ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♣ Q 10 3 2 ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♣ Q 10 3 2 EW 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −90 E 2N; NS 2♠; W 1N; EW 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −90 E 2N; NS 2♠; W 1N; EW 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −120 Board 25Board 25 ♠ K 10 6 Board 26Board 26 ♠ J 9 8 5 2 What should NorthPar −120 bid after hearing 1♣ to his left and 1♥ to North Deals ♥ K Q 5 3 East Deals ♥ J 5 his right? Some will double, some will be able to bid 1NT and E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 Both Vul ♦ K Q 10 6 4 others might risk a 2NT call, which seems far too rich to me. In ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ K what seems to be a trend this set, the key on these partscore ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ battles is to sell out and let the opponents go down quietly. A 7 N Q J 8 5 2 3 N K Q 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Here, E/W can scramble to eight tricks in clubs, while N/S are 10 7 WE A J 4 2 A 9 8 4 WE K 10 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ off five top winners in spades. If N/S compete to the three J 8 6 4 3 2 S K 5 8 7 5 3 S A 9 2 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ Q 3 ♣ A J 5 4 ♣ 9 8 7 6 level, the best E/W results are likely to come from doubling them there and collecting 200 or more. ♠ 9 4 3 ♠ A 10 7 6 ♥ 9 8 6 ♥ Q 7 6 2 ♦ Q 7 ♦ J ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♣ Q 10 3 2

EW 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −90 E 2N; NS 2♠; W 1N; EW 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 1♦; Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A 9 6 3 BoardP 27Board 27ar −120 ♠ A 4 2 When WestBoard opens 28Board 28 1♣, some Norths♠ A 9 will6 3 overcall 1♦; others South Deals ♥ J 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 9 7 5 South Deals ♥ J 4 3 will requireWest a better Deals hand or suit♥ Kfor 9 a7 non5 space-consuming None Vul ♦ K 10 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 4 None Vul ♦ K 10 6 5 4 overcall. You’dN-S Vulenvisage quite a♦ few4 Wests will declare 2NT, ♣ 8 6 and while a heart lead may be ♣best,K J North9 6 rates to lead a ♣ 8 6 ♣ K J 9 6 ♠ K 7 ♠ 10 8 5 3 diamond. When♠ West7 5 4 wins the ♦Q and runs♠ K five rounds ♠ K 7 N ♠ 10 8 5 3 ♠ 7 5 4 N ♠ K ♥ A 8 5 N ♥ Q 6 2 of clubs, North has♥ A to Q pitch10 6 3 one 2 heart,N one♥ spade8 and one ♥ A 8 5 WE♥ Q 6 2 ♥ A Q 10 6 3 2 WE♥ 8 ♦ A 7 2 WE♦ Q 9 3 diamond. Declarer♦ 5 can then try toWE ♦ himA K inJ 9diamonds 8 6 3 2 ♦ A 7 2 S ♦ Q 9 3 ♦ 5 S ♦ A K J 9 8 6 3 2 ♣ A K 10 5 2 S ♣ Q 7 4 for his eighth trick,♣ 5 but4 2 North can shiftS to ♣♥JQ and 10 7 get out ♣ A K 10 5 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ Q 10 7 ♠ Q J 9 6 of the trap. Any E/W going plus♠ Qhere J 10 ought 8 2 to score well for ♠ Q J 9 6 so doing. ♠ Q J 10 8 2 ♥ K 10 9 7 ♥ J 4 ♥ K 10 9 7 ♥ J 4 ♦ J 8 ♦ Q 10 7 ♦ J 8 ♦ Q 10 7 ♣ J 9 3 ♣ A 8 3 ♣ J 9 3 ♣ A 8 3 EW 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −90 NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; EW 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −90 NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; Par +300: EW 4♦×−2 Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A 9 6 3 Par +300: EW 4♦×−2 South Deals ♥ J 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 9 7 5 None Vul ♦ K 10 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 4 ♣ 8 6 ♣ K J 9 6 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 N 10 8 5 3 7 5 4 N K ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A 8 5 WE Q 6 2 A Q 10 6 3 2 WE 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 7 2 S Q 9 3 5 S A K J 9 8 6 3 2 ♣ A K 10 5 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ Q 10 7 ♠ Q J 9 6 ♠ Q J 10 8 2 ♥ K 10 9 7 ♥ J 4 ♦ J 8 ♦ Q 10 7 ♣ J 9 3 ♣ A 8 3

EW 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −90 NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 4♣; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; Par +300: EW 4♦×−2 Board 25Board 25 ♠ K 10 6 Board 26Board 26 ♠ J 9 8 5 2 North Deals ♥ K Q 5 3 East Deals ♥ J 5 E-W Vul ♦ A 10 9 Both Vul ♦ K Q 10 6 4 ♣ 8 7 4 ♣ K ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 7 N Q J 8 5 2 3 N K Q 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 7 WE A J 4 2 A 9 8 4 WE K 10 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 8 6 4 3 2 S K 5 8 7 5 3 S A 9 2 ♣ J 10 2 ♣ Q 3 ♣ A J 5 4 ♣ 9 8 7 6 ♠ 9 4 3 ♠ A 10 7 6 ♥ 9 8 6 ♥ Q 7 6 2 ♦ Q 7 ♦ J ♣ A K 9 6 5 ♣ Q 10 3 2

EW 2♦; NS 2♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; Par −90 E 2N; NS 2♠; W 1N; EW 2♣; EW 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −120

Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 4 2 Board 28Board 28 ♠ A 9 6 3 A few Wests might open 3♥, but it looks normal to bid South Deals ♥ J 4 3 West Deals ♥ K 9 7 5 2♥. North really has to pass, and what can East do now? None Vul ♦ K 10 6 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ 4 He might bid 5♦, but passing and awaiting a balance from ♣ 8 6 ♣ K J 9 6 South looks reasonable, too. If he does bid 5♦, he should buy ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ it there, probably three down undoubled. If he passes, will K 7 N 10 8 5 3 7 5 4 N K ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ South re-open with 2♠? I’d guess so, and North rates simply A 8 5 WE Q 6 2 A Q 10 6 3 2 WE 8 ♦ A 7 2 ♦ Q 9 3 ♦ 5 ♦ A K J 9 8 6 3 2 to bid 4♠ now. After a diamond lead, the defence can shift to S S a heart to the ace for West to return the queen. E/W can take ♣ A K 10 5 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ 5 4 2 ♣ Q 10 7 their heart ruff, then sit back and wait for their club winner. ♠ Q J 9 6 ♠ Q J 10 8 2 Any East into 5♦ over 4♠ will surely get doubled ♥ ♥ K 10 9 7 J 4 and score very poorly here. ♦ J 8 ♦ Q 10 7 ♣ J 9 3 ♣ A 8 3 Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q J 8 Board 30Board 30 ♠ K 6 ♥ ♥ EW 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; Par −90 NorthNS 3N; Deals NS 3♠; NS 46♣ 4; EW 2♦; NS 1♥; East Deals J 8 7 4 ♠♦ ♦ BoardBoth PVul ar +300:29Board 29 EW 4♦×−2QK JJ 78 6 In third seat,BoardNone South Vul 30Board 30will open 1♦. If♠ WestK10 6 9 passes,8 5 North is North Deals ♥♣ 6J 94 5 2 likely to respondEast 1NT,Deals but now either♥♣ J10 East8 6 7 4 4or West may ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Both VulK 5 ♦ K JN 7 6 A 9 7 4 2 balance intoNone their major.Vul9 8 This4 in turn♦ 10 gives N9 8 North5 J the7 3 option2 ♥ ♣ ♥ to compete to 3 .♥ Of the three possible♣ suit ♥strains, the K 10 8 3 2 WEJ 9 5 2 9 7 5 ♦ A 5 WE10 6 4 K 10 6 2 ♠♦ ♠♦ eight-card heart fit♠♦ is the contract most likely♠♦ to succeed. KQ 59 4 NS A8 39 7 4 2 9A 8Q 4 J 3 NS JK 77 3 2 ♥♣ K10 10 8 68 3 2 ♥♣ 9A 7Q 5 7 West can set up spades♥♣ A 5Q whatever 9 3 the opponents♥♣ K do107 2 6and 2 WE hold his losers to four in the red suitsWE plus a club. Spades ♦ ♠ 10 6 3 ♦ ♦ ♠ A Q 10 5♦ Q 9 4 S 8 3 and diamonds each playA Q forJ 3 seven tricks,S as doesK 7notrump, ♥ ♥ ♣ 10 8 6 A Q J ♣ A Q 7 so one might expect♣ Ato Q see 9 3a lot of smallQ 9 3 penalties♣ K 7 being2 ♠♦ 10A 106 35 2 recorded here. ♠♦ A6 4Q 2 10 5 ♥♣ AK 4Q 3J ♥♣ QJ 89 5 3 ♦ A 10 5 2 ♦ 6 4 2 E 2♥; NS 1N; EW 1♣ K♠ 4; W 13 ♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3N; EW 3♠♣; EW 2J 8 5 ♥; EW 3♦; EW 3♣; Par −110 Par −400 E 2♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; W 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 3♣; Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q J 8 Board 30Board 30 ♠ K 6 A simple auction (at last), in the form of 1NT by West raised North Deals ♥ 6 4 East DealsPar −110 ♥ J 8 7 4 via Stayman to 3NT.Par −400 On lead, North’s diamond sequence Both Vul ♦ K J 7 6 None Vul ♦ 10 9 8 5 should look far more attractive to him than his broken ♣ J 9 5 2 ♣ 10 6 4 heart suit. After a diamond lead, there may appear to be ♠ K 5 ♠ A 9 7 4 2 ♠ 9 8 4 ♠ J 7 3 2 no obvious reason for declarer not to cash out his nine or N N 10 winners. But one could certainly make a strong case for ♥ K 10 8 3 2 ♥ 9 7 5 ♥ A 5 ♥ K 10 6 2 WE WE winning the diamond with the Q and trying to pass 9. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♠ Q 9 4 S 8 3 A Q J 3 S K 7 When North takes the king and continues diamonds, coming ♣ 10 8 6 ♣ A Q 7 ♣ A Q 9 3 ♣ K 7 2 to hand and playing a second spade would embarrassingly ♠ 10 6 3 ♠ A Q 10 5 turn 10 tricks into nine. ♥ A Q J ♥ Q 9 3 ♦ A 10 5 2 ♦ 6 4 2 ♣ K 4 3 ♣ J 8 5

E 2♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; W 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 3♣; Board 31Board 31 ♠ Q J 9 7 5 3 South’s 1♣ openerBoard 32Board 32may let West ♠produceK Q 10 a 9 stopperless 5 1NT Par −110 South Par −400Deals ♥ 10 9 4 overcall or aWest 1♦ overcall. Deals Either way,♥ 9 North5 will bid spades. BoardN-S Vul 31Board 31 ♠♦ QA 9J 9 7 5 3 If East has bidBoardE-W 1NT, Vul 32Board 32 East may elect♠♦ toK10 Qcompete 6 10 9 5 in hearts. South Deals ♥♣ 107 5 9 4 Equally, if WestWest has Deals bid diamonds,♥♣ East910 5 9 is8 likely5 to raise to N-S Vul♠ A 8 ♦ A 9 ♠ 10 4 at least 4♦.E-W South Vul♠ will7 6 have 3 the option♦ 10 6 to raise♠ Aspades J 8 2 or N repeat his clubs. With both pairs havingN a big double fit, ♥ A K 8 ♣ 7 5 ♥ Q J 7 6 2 ♥ A 4 2 ♣ 10 9 8 5 ♥ 8 7 3 WE one side or other rates to bid to at WEleast the four level. The ♠♦ ♠♦ ♠♦ ♠♦ AK Q8 10 8 2 NS 10J 7 4 6 5 4 minors make 10 tricks,7K 6 Qa 3defensive9 4 3 ruffNS holds eachA J major82 2 ♥♣ ♥♣ ♥♣ ♥♣ A9 8K 68 WE Q10 J 7 6 2 to nine. However, gameA6 34 could2 easilyWE be let through8A 7Q 3 here7 by ♦ ♠ K 6 2 ♦ ♦ ♠ 4 ♦ K Q 10 8 2 S J 7 6 5 4 either side. K Q 9 4 3 S A J 2 ♣ 9 8 6 ♥ 5 3 ♣ 10 ♣ 6 3 ♥ K Q J 10 ♣6 A Q 7 ♠♦ K3 6 2 ♠♦ 48 7 5 ♥♣ 5A 3K Q J 4 3 2 ♥♣ K QJ 4J 210 6 ♦ 3 ♦ 8 7 5 NS 3♠; EW 3♥♣; EW 4A K Q♦ ;J NS 4 4 3 2♣; NS 1N; EW 3N; EW 3♦♣; N 2K J ♣4; 2EW 1♠; EW 1♥; S 1♣; Par −130 Par −300: N 4♣×−2 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ Board 31Board 31 ♠ Q J 9 7 5 3 BoardNS 3 32Board 32 ; EW 3 ♠; EW 4K Q 10; 9NS 4 5 ; NS 1N; EW 3N; EW 3 ; N 2 ; EW 1 ; EW 1 ; S 1 ; South Deals ♥ 10 9 4 West Par −130Deals ♥ 9 5 Par −300: N 4♣×−2 N-S Vul ♦ A 9 E-W Vul ♦ 10 6 ♣ 7 5 ♣ 10 9 8 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 8 N 10 4 7 6 3 N A J 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K 8 WE Q J 7 6 2 A 4 2 WE 8 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K Q 10 8 2 S J 7 6 5 4 K Q 9 4 3 S A J 2 ♣ 9 8 6 ♣ 10 ♣ 6 3 ♣ A Q 7 ♠ K 6 2 ♠ 4 ♥ 5 3 ♥ K Q J 10 6 ♦ 3 ♦ 8 7 5 ♣ A K Q J 4 3 2 ♣ K J 4 2

NS 3♠; EW 3♥; EW 4♦; NS 4♣; NS 1N; EW 3N; EW 3♦; N 2♣; EW 1♠; EW 1♥; S 1♣; Par −130 Par −300: N 4♣×−2 Board 29Board 29 ♠ Q J 8 Board 30Board 30 ♠ K 6 North Deals ♥ 6 4 East Deals ♥ J 8 7 4 Both Vul ♦ K J 7 6 None Vul ♦ 10 9 8 5 ♣ J 9 5 2 ♣ 10 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 5 N A 9 7 4 2 9 8 4 N J 7 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 10 8 3 2 WE 9 7 5 A 5 WE K 10 6 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 4 S 8 3 A Q J 3 S K 7 ♣ 10 8 6 ♣ A Q 7 ♣ A Q 9 3 ♣ K 7 2 ♠ 10 6 3 ♠ A Q 10 5 ♥ A Q J ♥ Q 9 3 ♦ A 10 5 2 ♦ 6 4 2 ♣ K 4 3 ♣ J 8 5

E 2♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; W 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; EW 3N; EW 3♠; EW 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 3♣; Par −110 Par −400

Board 31Board 31 ♠ Q J 9 7 5 3 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K Q 10 9 5 After West opens 1NT, South should show hearts in a one- South Deals ♥ 10 9 4 West Deals ♥ 9 5 or two-suiter. Regardless, West must drive his side to 3NT, N-S Vul ♦ A 9 E-W Vul ♦ 10 6 and after a heart lead, West will have his work cut out. He ♣ 7 5 ♣ 10 9 8 5 must duck one heart and win the second; what next? With ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ an endplay unlikely to succeed, the winning line is to play on A 8 N 10 4 7 6 3 N A J 8 2 spades (not obvious); the losing line to take a club finesse. It ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K 8 WE Q J 7 6 2 A 4 2 WE 8 7 3 does appear hard to combine chances here, but you do have ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K Q 10 8 2 S J 7 6 5 4 K Q 9 4 3 S A J 2 the option of advancing a spade early and seeing if North ♣ 9 8 6 ♣ 10 ♣ 6 3 ♣ A Q 7 splits his honors. If he doesn’t, you can eventually fall back ♠ K 6 2 ♠ 4 on the club finesse. ♥ 5 3 ♥ K Q J 10 6 ♦ ♦ 3 Board 33Board 33 ♠ 84 72 5 Board 34Board 34 ♠ K Q 10 4 ♣ ♣ A K Q J 4 3 2 North Deals ♥ K8 J3 42 2 East Deals ♥ A K 6 None Vul ♦ Q 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ A ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ Board 33 ♦♠ 4 2♣ ♠ ♥ ♣ Board 34 ♠ K Q 10 4 NS 3 ; EW 3 ; EW 4 ; NS 4 ; NS 1N; BoardEW 3N; 33Board 33 EW 3 ♣; N 2A J 8; EW 17 2 ; EW 1 ; S 1 ;East has a classicalBoard second-in-hand34Board 34 ♣ preemptK 9 8 3 2of 2♠. When Par −130 North Par −300:Deals N 4♣♥×−28 3 2 East Deals ♥ A K 6 ♠ K Q 6 5 ♠ A J 10 8 7 3 South overcalls 3♥♠, WestA 6 2can either raise to 4♠ orJ 9 bid 3 4♥ None Vul ♦ Q 6N 5 to show a soundN-S Vulraise to game. I prefer♦ A Nthe latter (it prevents ♥ Q 9 ♥ 10 7 ♥ 10 9 8 5 ♥ Q J 4 3 ♣ WEA J 8 7 2 North from doubling an artificial call),♣ WEK 9but 8 3♠4 2 rates to be ♦ A K 10 9 4 ♦ 8 7 3 ♦ 9 7 5 3 2 ♦ J 10 ♠ K Q 6 5 S ♠ A J 10 8 7 3 the final contract ♠at Aalmost 6 2 every table.S The defenders♠ J 9 3 have ♣ 6 4 N ♣ Q 10 four top tricks to cash♣ 6 in the round suitsN and a♣ slowA Q diamond 7 4 ♥ Q 9 ♥ 10 7 ♥ 10 9 8 5 ♥ Q J 4 3 ♠ WE9 trick that won’t go away. Meanwhile♠ WEN/S8 7 5can take 10 tricks ♦ A K 10 9 4 ♦ 8 7 3 ♦ 9 7 5 3 2 ♦ J 10 ♥ A KS J 6 5 4 in hearts or clubs if they negotiate♥ the7 2♣SQ but they might ♣ 6 4 ♣ Q 10 ♣ 6 ♣ A Q 7 4 ♦ J 2 well not do so. This is yet another ♦dealK Qwhere 8 6 4you would not ♠ 9 expect to see many successful declarers.♠ 8 7 5 ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ J 10 5 ♥ A K J 6 5 4 ♥ 7 2 ♦ J 2 ♦ K Q 8 6 4 NS 4♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 2♦; Par +300: NS 2N; NS 2♠; N 3♣; NS 2♦; S 2♣; W 1♥; ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ J 10 5 EW 4♠×−2 Par +120

Board 33Board 33 ♠ 4 2 BoardNS 4 34Board 34 ♥; NS 4♣;♠ EW 2K Q ♠10; EW 2 4 ♦; Par +300:While a few Easts mightNS 2N; stretch NS 2 ♠to; N 3bid ♣here,; NS 2 you’d♦; S 2 generally♣; W 1♥ ; North Deals ♥ 8 3 2 East DealsEW 4♠×−2 ♥ A K 6 imagine North will bePar +120 allowed to open 1♣. N/S may now None Vul ♦ Q 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ A have a sequence such as 1♣ - 1♦ - 2♠ - 3♣ - 3NT. When ♣ A J 8 7 2 ♣ K 9 8 3 2 the defenders lead hearts against 3NT, declarer’s best bet is to win the second heart, unblock A and try a low club ♠ K Q 6 5 ♠ A J 10 8 7 3 ♠ A 6 2 ♠ J 9 3 ♦ N N towards the jack. Now he can come to eight tricks by using ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 9 WE 10 7 10 9 8 5 WE Q J 4 3 his dummy entry to take just one top diamond and reverting ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K 10 9 4 S 8 7 3 9 7 5 3 2 S J 10 to clubs. Again, this feels like a deal where plus scores will ♣ 6 4 ♣ Q 10 ♣ 6 ♣ A Q 7 4 be at a premium, since it will not be simple for N/S to stop in ♠ 9 ♠ 8 7 5 2NT or 3♣. ♥ A K J 6 5 4 ♥ 7 2 ♦ J 2 ♦ K Q 8 6 4 ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ J 10 5

♠ ♠ NS 4♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 2♦; Par +300: BoardNS 2N; 35Board 35 NS 2♠; N 38 ♣7 ;5 NS 2 3 ♦; S 2♣; W 1♥; At favourableBoard vulnerability, 36Board 36 South mightJ stretch to open 1♦. EW 4♠×−2 South PDealsar +120 ♥ A 9 7 6 If he passes, WestEast will Deals open 1♣ and♥ SouthK 8 6can 5 overcall 1♦, E-W Vul ♦ 8 2 after which NorthBoth canVul respond 1NT♦ to10 end 8 4 the auction. The Board 35 ♠ 8 7 5 3 Board 36 ♠ J Board 35Board 35 ♣ A Q 5 defenders cannotBoard hold 36Board 36 him to seven♣ tricks;Q J 9 6after 3 a club lead South Deals ♥ A 9 7 6 West Deals ♥ K 8 6 5 ♠ Q 9 6 ♠ A K 10 declarer has his eighth♠ 9 winner,8 6 5 while if the defenders♠ K 10 clear 7 4 3 2 E-W Vul ♦ 8 2N spades, the 13thBoth spade Vul represents ♦the10 overtrick. N8 4 A passive ♥ K 10 3 2 ♥ Q 4 ♥ A 7 4 ♥ J 9 ♣ WEA Q 5 diamond may actually work best for♣ WEQthe J defence.9 6 3 Doubtless, ♦ 10 5 4 ♦ J 7 3 ♦ K Q 7 3 ♦ J 9 6 ♠ Q 9 6 S ♠ A K 10 after a 1♦ opener from♠ 9 South,8 6 5 a few NorthsS will♠ reachK 10 72 ♥4 on3 2 ♣ 10 8 4 N ♣ K J 9 7 2 ♣ 7 2 N ♣ A 10 ♥ K 10 3 2 ♥ Q 4 a support double auction♥ A 7 4and struggle there. ♥ J 9 ♠ WEJ 4 2 ♠ WEA Q ♦ 10 5 4 ♦ J 7 3 ♦ K Q 7 3 ♦ J 9 6 ♥ J 8S 5 ♥ Q 10S 3 2 ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ K J 9 7 2 ♣ 7 2 ♣ A 10 ♦ A K Q 9 6 ♦ A 5 2 ♠ J 4 2 ♠ A Q ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 8 5 4 ♥ J 8 5 ♥ Q 10 3 2 ♦ A K Q 9 6 ♦ A 5 2 N 2N; S 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 8 5 4 Par +120 Par +140

Board 35Board 35 ♠ 8 7 5 3 BoardN 2N; 36Board 36 S 1N; EW 2♠ J♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; South Deals ♥ A 9 7 6 West PDealsar +120 ♥ K 8 6 5 Par +140 E-W Vul ♦ 8 2 Both Vul ♦ 10 8 4 ♣ A Q 5 ♣ Q J 9 6 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 9 6 N A K 10 9 8 6 5 N K 10 7 4 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 10 3 2 WE Q 4 A 7 4 WE J 9 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 5 4 S J 7 3 K Q 7 3 S J 9 6 ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ K J 9 7 2 ♣ 7 2 ♣ A 10 ♠ J 4 2 ♠ A Q ♥ J 8 5 ♥ Q 10 3 2 ♦ A K Q 9 6 ♦ A 5 2 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 8 5 4

N 2N; S 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; Par +120 Par +140 Board 33Board 33 ♠ 4 2 Board 34Board 34 ♠ K Q 10 4 North Deals ♥ 8 3 2 East Deals ♥ A K 6 None Vul ♦ Q 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ A ♣ A J 8 7 2 ♣ K 9 8 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 6 5 N A J 10 8 7 3 A 6 2 N J 9 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Q 9 WE 10 7 10 9 8 5 WE Q J 4 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K 10 9 4 S 8 7 3 9 7 5 3 2 S J 10 ♣ 6 4 ♣ Q 10 ♣ 6 ♣ A Q 7 4 ♠ 9 ♠ 8 7 5 ♥ A K J 6 5 4 ♥ 7 2 ♦ J 2 ♦ K Q 8 6 4 ♣ K 9 5 3 ♣ J 10 5

NS 4♥; NS 4♣; EW 2♠; EW 2♦; Par +300: NS 2N; NS 2♠; N 3♣; NS 2♦; S 2♣; W 1♥; EW 4♠×−2 Par +120

Board 35Board 35 ♠ 8 7 5 3 Board 36Board 36 ♠ J In third seat, East can either open 1♠ or 2♠. In either South Deals ♥ A 9 7 6 West Deals ♥ K 8 6 5 instance, South has the choice of doubling or bidding E-W Vul ♦ 8 2 Both Vul ♦ 10 8 4 notrump; his doubleton spade and four-card holding in the other major argue for the more cautious approach. Either ♣ A Q 5 ♣ Q J 9 6 3 way, we should see a competitive sequence in which E/W ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 9 6 N A K 10 9 8 6 5 N K 10 7 4 3 2 may compete to 3♠, against which N/S ought to prevail ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 10 3 2 WE Q 4 A 7 4 WE J 9 by setting up their club winner in time. By contrast, ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 5 4 S J 7 3 K Q 7 3 S J 9 6 defeating 4♥ is not so easy. With clubs and hearts lying ♣ 10 8 4 ♣ K J 9 7 2 ♣ 7 2 ♣ A 10 so favourably, the defenders must lead diamonds on the ♠ J 4 2 ♠ A Q go to defeat the game. ♥ J 8 5 ♥ Q 10 3 2 ♦ A K Q 9 6 ♦ A 5 2 ♣ 6 3 ♣ K 8 5 4

N 2N; S 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; NS 3♥; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; Par +120 Par +140