ACBL-wide Junior Wide Game #2 Tuesday Evening – August 7, 2018 – Set 218032 Analysis by Oren Kriegel

Oren grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and learned bridge at 14. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 and has been playing and writing about bridge full time since then. His articles appear frequently on BridgeWinners and in . He is a regular on U.S. Junior teams. He has won a gold and silver medal in world Junior tournaments and was the non-playing captain of the U.S. open team in 2016.

Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 3 No one wouldBoard open 2Board 2 2♥ with♠ the10 North cards, right? Good, moving North Deals ♥ 9 8 7 6 4 3 on. East willEast open Deals 1♠, and West♥ K hasQ 9 a 4 hand 3 2 worth a slam drive. Even None Vul ♦ K if a 4♥ splinterN-S Vulis allowable with♦ J a singleton ace in your methods, ♣ 8 6 5 a splinter will not let West find♣ A outQ J useful6 2 information about East’s ♠ 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 3 ♠ distribution.Board♠ 2Board 2 ♠ 10 ♠ K Q 9 8 7 N A 6 5 4 2 9 6 3 2 N A Q J North♥ Deals ♥ 9 8 7 6 4♥ 3 East♥ Deals ♥ K Q 9 4 3♥ 2 A WE Q 5 Instead, West shouldA 7 5 use JacobyWE 2NT. In a10 standard 6 Jacoby 2NT None♦ A Vul J 8 5 ♦ K ♦ Q 10 6 N-S♦ Vul9 5 4 ♦ J ♦ Q 6 3 2 ♣ S structure, East will rebid 4♠♣, showingS a minimum with no side ♣ K J 9 8 6 5 ♣ A Q 4 shortness. Some♣ 10 balanced 7 4 14-countsA Q J 6might 2♣ 9 qualify8 5 3 for a 3NT rebid, ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 9 8 7 ♠ — N A 6 5 4 2 showing mild extra9 6 values,3 2 but♠ Kwith 8N 7 ace-empty-fifth5 4 A Q J of spades ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A ♥ WEK J 10 2 Q 5 and three queens,A 7this 5 one doesn’t.♥ WEJ 8 Instead,10 East 6 rebids 4♠, over ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 8 5 ♦ 9 7S 4 3 2 Q 10 6 which West will 9ask 5 4for keycards♦ A KwithS 10 84NT, 7 Q then 6 3 2may bid 5NT as an ♣ K J 9 ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ A Q 4 attempt to find♣ 10 a 7grand 4 slam♣ K— or 6NT.♣ East’s9 8 5 king3 denial of a side- ♠ — suit king will end any ambitions♠ K above8 7 5 46♠. ♠♥ K J 10♦ 2 ♣ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 ♣ ♠ ♦ AnEW 7N; unfortunate EW 7 South; EW 5 might; EW 4 find a ; NS 1diamond; lead, after NS 5which ; EastNS 4N; might NS 5 decide; NS 3 to play; NS 4 safely; by rising with Par −1520 ♦ 9 7 4 3 2 Par +650 ♦ A K 10 8 7 dummy’s ♦A, protecting♣ against South’s having led a singleton diamond.♣ Today, East will be rewarded for this dubious matchpoint10 play 7 3 with 2 a juicy overtrick. K EW 7N; EW 7♠; EW 5♦; EW 4♣; NS 1♥; NS 5♥; NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 3♠; NS 4♦; Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 3 BoardPar −1520 2Board 2 ♠ 10 With the auctionPar +650 to themselves, N/S will have to cope with a North Deals ♥ 9 8 7 6 4 3 East Deals ♥ K Q 9 4 3 2 somewhat misfitting pair of two-suited hands. Likely auctions are None Vul ♦ K N-S Vul ♦ J 1♠-2♥-3♦-3♥-4♥ and 1♠-2♥-2♠-3♣-3♦-3♥-4♥, depending on ♣ ♣ your style for opener’s three-level rebid. Based on how the auction 8 6 5 A Q J 6 2 times out, North might be tempted to try for slam. It should be ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 9 8 7 N A 6 5 4 2 9 6 3 2 N A Q J easy to stop at the five level, which is safe as the cards lie. However, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A WE Q 5 A 7 5 WE 10 6 a slam-try auction might tip East off to the need to cash the ♠A ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 8 5 S Q 10 6 9 5 4 S Q 6 3 2 before it goes away. ♣ K J 9 ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 7 4 ♣ 9 8 5 3 ♠ — ♠ K 8 7 5 4 ♥ K J 10 2 ♥ J 8 ♦ 9 7 4 3 2 ♦ A K 10 8 7 Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 6 Board 4Board 4 ♠ A K Q ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ K South Deals ♥ Q J 10 9 7 West Deals ♥ Q 9 8 E-W Vul ♦ A K 7 3 Both Vul ♦ 7 3 2 EW 7N; EW 7♠; EW 5♦; EW 4♣; NS 1♥; NS 5♥; NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 3♠; NS 4♦; ♣ 9 2 ♣ K 7 5 2 Par −1520 Par +650 Board♠ 8 53Board 3 ♠ Q 6 ♠ K J 7 4 3 South opensBoard ♠1♦J, North 104Board 4 9 8 responds 5 ♠ A K1♥ Q, and♠ East4 3 2overcalls 1♠, probably N losing the E/W club fit. It’s not clearN whether South should pass over South♥ 5 4Deals 2 ♥ Q J 10 9 ♥7 A 8 6 3 West♥ A Deals J 5 3 ♥ Q 9 8 ♥ 10 2 E-W Vul ♦ WEA K 7 3 1♠ or rebidBoth 2♦. AVul 2♦ rebid doesn’t♦ WE7 3 2 show any extra values, but with ♦ 10 8 2 ♦ — a bare minimum♦ A with 9 4 two short honors ♦andK length10 5 in spades, there ♣ 9 2S ♣ K 7S 5 2 ♣ A J 5 4 3 ♣ K 8 7 6 is a good case♣ for8 South to pass. If South♣ doesA J 10 pass, 4 3 North might ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 8 5 ♠ A 10N 9 2 K J 7 4 3 merely invite gameJ 10 by9 8jumping 5 ♠ 7 to 6N 3♦, keeping4 3 2 N/S in plus-score ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 4 2 ♥ WEK A 8 6 3 territory. Lots ofA pairs J 5 3will drive♥ WEK the 7 6 N/S 4 hands10 2 to game, though. 3NT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 8 2 ♦ Q JS 9 6 5 4— on a spade leadA has 9 4a chance♦ ifQ the JS 8 defense 6 K 10fails 5 to shift to clubs. 5♦ ♣ A J 5 4 3 ♣ Q 10 ♣ K 8 7 6 looks slated for♣ 8down two after♣ Q the 9 6 normal♣ A spade J 10 4 lead. 3 ♠ A 10 9 2 ♠ 7 6 EW 4♣; NS 3♦♥; NS 1N;K EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; ♥NS 1K 7♥ ;6 NS 1 4 ♣; Par +90 Par −100: NS 4♦♦×−1Q J 9 6 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 6 ♣ Q 10 ♣ Q 9 6

EW 4♣; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par +90 Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 6 BoardPar −100: 4Board 4 NS 4♠♦×−1A K Q South Deals ♥ Q J 10 9 7 West Deals ♥ Q 9 8 E-W Vul ♦ A K 7 3 Both Vul ♦ 7 3 2 ♣ 9 2 ♣ K 7 5 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 8 5 N K J 7 4 3 J 10 9 8 5 N 4 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 4 2 WE A 8 6 3 A J 5 3 WE 10 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 8 2 S — A 9 4 S K 10 5 ♣ A J 5 4 3 ♣ K 8 7 6 ♣ 8 ♣ A J 10 4 3 ♠ A 10 9 2 ♠ 7 6 ♥ K ♥ K 7 6 4 ♦ Q J 9 6 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 6 ♣ Q 10 ♣ Q 9 6

EW 4♣; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par +90 Par −100: NS 4♦×−1 Board 1Board 1 ♠ J 10 3 Board 2Board 2 ♠ 10 North Deals ♥ 9 8 7 6 4 3 East Deals ♥ K Q 9 4 3 2 None Vul ♦ K N-S Vul ♦ J ♣ 8 6 5 ♣ A Q J 6 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 9 8 7 N A 6 5 4 2 9 6 3 2 N A Q J ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A WE Q 5 A 7 5 WE 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 8 5 S Q 10 6 9 5 4 S Q 6 3 2 ♣ K J 9 ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 7 4 ♣ 9 8 5 3 ♠ — ♠ K 8 7 5 4 ♥ K J 10 2 ♥ J 8 ♦ 9 7 4 3 2 ♦ A K 10 8 7 ♣ 10 7 3 2 ♣ K

EW 7N; EW 7♠; EW 5♦; EW 4♣; NS 1♥; NS 5♥; NS 4N; NS 5♣; NS 3♠; NS 4♦; Par −1520 Par +650

Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 6 Board 4Board 4 ♠ A K Q Should South respond 1♦ or 1♥ to North’s 1♣ opening? 1♦ is South Deals ♥ Q J 10 9 7 West Deals ♥ Q 9 8 correct in a traditional up-the-line style, but we strongly prefer to E-W Vul ♦ A K 7 3 Both Vul ♦ 7 3 2 respond 1♥. Bypassing a four-card diamond suit to bid a four-card ♣ 9 2 ♣ K 7 5 2 major is routine for us, and with a weak hand, we would respond 1♥ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ even with five or more diamonds. 8 5 N K J 7 4 3 J 10 9 8 5 N 4 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 4 2 WE A 8 6 3 A J 5 3 WE 10 2 Should West 1♠? It’s not clear. Many would, but with poor ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 8 2 S — A 9 4 S K 10 5 spades, vulnerable, there is a good case for passing. Still, West has ♣ A J 5 4 3 ♣ K 8 7 6 ♣ 8 ♣ A J 10 4 3 a maximum for the initial pass with two aces. If West 1♠, ♠ A 10 9 2 ♠ 7 6 the final contract will likely be ♠2 , down one or two. If West passes, ♥ K ♥ K 7 6 4 North will probably play in 1NT. A spade lead looks best from East, ♦ Q J 9 6 5 4 ♦ Q J 8 6 even without the overcall, because against 1NT, it is often correct to ♣ Q 10 ♣ Q 9 6 lead passively. A spade lead will hold the opponents to seven tricks. -90 should score well on a deal when many E/W pairs will go minus in 2♠ or allow an overtrick against 1NT. EW 4♣; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1N; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; Par +90 Par −100: NS 4♦×−1 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 9 5 We would openBoard the 6Board 6 East cards,♠ A despite J 10 6 5holding 2 the singleton ♣J. North Deals ♥ 10 3 Players whoEast use Deals a sound opening♥ J style might pass, however. We Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 9 5 certainly wouldBoard not 6Board 6 overcall ♠2 A withJ 10 the6 5 South2 cards. There are N-S Vul ♦ 7 5 E-W Vul ♦♣Q 4 North Deals ♥ 10 3 many strikesEast against Deals it: minimum♥ J values, passed-hand partner, ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 4 ♣ K 9 8 6 N-S Vul ♦ 7 5 poor distribution,E-W Vul adverse vulnerability.♦ Q 4 The main upside is that a ♠ A Q 7 4 ♠ K J 8 2 ♠ K 9 7 ♠ Q ♣ Q 10N 9 7 6 4 2♣ overcall of a 1♦ opening♣ bidK 9canN 8 6often prove disruptive to the ♥ K J 6 4 ♥ Q 8 7 2 ♥ Q 7 4 2 ♥ 9 8 5 ♠ A Q 7 4 WE♠ K J 8 2 opponents’ bidding.♠ K 9 7 WE♠ Q ♦ A J 8 2 N ♦ K Q 10 4 ♦ A 10 7 5 N ♦ K J 8 3 2 ♥ K J 6 4 S ♥ Q 8 7 2 ♥ Q 7 4 2 S ♥ 9 8 5 ♣ 3 WE♣ J West responds♣ Q1♥ 10, and East raisesWE to 2♥♣. AWest 4 3 has2 enough strength ♦ A J 8 2 ♦ K Q 10 4 ♦ A 10 7 5 ♦ K J 8 3 2 ♠ 6 3S for a slam-try, but West can’t♠ be8 4 sureS 3 the partnership belongs in ♣ 3 ♣ J ♣ Q 10 ♣ A 4 3 2 ♥ A 9 5 hearts yet. East might have raised♥ A K with10 6 three-card3 support. West’s ♠ 6 3 ♠ 8 4 3 ♦ 9 6 3 options will vary based on partnership♦ 9 6 agreements, but East will ♥ A 9 5 confirm a minimum hand with♥ A four-card K 10 6 3 support. E/W have no ♣ A K 8 5 2 ♣ J 7 5 ♦ 9 6 3 safety at the five level, but the♦ 9 enemy6 cards are friendly today, and 11 ♣ A K 8 5 2 tricks are available. ♣ J 7 5 EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 2♣; Par −450 NS 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; Par +110 EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 2♣; Par −450 NS 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; Par +110 Board 5Board 5 ♠ 10 9 5 Board 6Board 6 ♠ A J 10 6 5 2 After two passes, should West open in third seat? We would not, North Deals ♥ 10 3 East Deals ♥ J with a scattered 11-count, particularly since E/W are vulnerable. ♦ ♦ North has the option to open 2♠ in fourth seat. This is not a weak N-S Vul 7 5 E-W Vul Q 4 two-bid, because there is no need to with a weak hand in ♣ ♣ Q 10 9 7 6 4 K 9 8 6 fourth seat. There is no universal agreement on the exact range for ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A Q 7 4 N K J 8 2 K 9 7 N Q 2♠. We would recommend about 10-13 HCP and a good six-card ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K J 6 4 WE Q 8 7 2 Q 7 4 2 WE 9 8 5 spade suit. If North does open 2♠, it will likely end the auction. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 8 2 S K Q 10 4 A 10 7 5 S K J 8 3 2 ♣ 3 ♣ J ♣ Q 10 ♣ A 4 3 2 East should choose an unlucky heart lead, allowing declarer to ♠ 6 3 ♠ 8 4 3 discard a diamond loser. Declarer is in dummy for what might be the ♥ A 9 5 ♥ A K 10 6 3 last time, so it looks right to lead a club toward the ♣K. If East reads the club position, East can return the 2, a suit preference , ♦ 9 6 3 ♦ 9 6 ♣ showing strength in diamonds. If West underleads the A, West ♣ ♣ ♦ A K 8 5 2 J 7 5 can get a club . The defense will later score a spade trick, to hold declarer to eight tricks. ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♦ EW 5 ; EW 5 ; EW 5 ; NS 2 ; Par −450 BoardNS 2 7Board 7 ; EW 2 ♠; EW 1N;4 2 EW 2 ; Par +110 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A J 6 5 South Deals ♥ Q J 3 2 West Deals ♥ J 10 5 2 Board 7Board 7 ♠ 4 2 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A J 6 5 Both Vul ♦ K 5 The auctionNone should Vul be short♦ andQ 8simple: 7 South opens 1♦, West South Deals ♥ Q J 3 2 passes, NorthWest responds Deals 1♥, and♥ J 10East 5 2overcalls 1♠. No one has any ♣ 10 9 6 5 3 ♣ 3 2 Both Vul ♦ K 5 reason to actNone over Vul that, so East♦ Q declares 8 7 1♠. ♠ K 3 ♠ A Q J 9 5 ♠ K 10 8 2 ♠ 9 7 ♣ 10 N9 6 5 3 ♣ 3 2N ♥ 8 7 6 ♥ A 9 5 4 ♥ Q 8 3 ♥ 7 6 ♠ K 3 WE♠ A Q J 9 5 South leads the♠ K ♥ 10K, 8which 2 declarerWE wins,♠ 9because 7 hearts might ♦ 9 7 6 2 N ♦ Q 8 4 be 5-1. Ducking,♦ A while K 6 5unlikely 4 to Ncost, serves♦ J 10 no 9 real purpose, and ♥ 8 7 6 S ♥ A 9 5 4 ♥ Q 8 3 S ♥ 7 6 ♣ J 8 7 2 WE♣ K occasionally South♣ 7 will be ableWE to find ♣a entryA K Q to J the 8 4 North hand, ♦ 9 7 6 2 ♦ Q 8 4 ♦ A K 6 5 4 ♦ J 10 9 ♠ 10 S8 7 6 who can then lead the ♥Q for♠ Qa ruffing4S 3 . Unless the defense ♣ J 8 7 2 ♣ K ♣ 7 ♣ A K Q J 8 4 ♥ K 10 gets sloppy, declarer should♥ takeA K just 9 4 five tricks and the♥ A ♠ 10 8 7 6 ♠ Q 4 3 ♦ A J 10 3 for down one. ♦ 3 2 ♥ K 10 ♥ A K 9 4 ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5 ♦ A J 10 3 ♦ 3 2 ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5 NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 2N; S 2♥; W 3♣; EW 2♦; E 2♣; EW 1♠; Par +110 N 1♥; Par −100: S 3♥×−1 NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 2N; S 2♥; W 3♣; EW 2♦; E 2♣; EW 1♠; ♠ ♠ Board 7Board 7 4 2 BoardPar +110 8Board 8 A J 6 5 N 1♥; Par −100: S 3♥×−1 South Deals ♥ Q J 3 2 West Deals ♥ J 10 5 2 Both Vul ♦ K 5 None Vul ♦ Q 8 7 ♣ 10 9 6 5 3 ♣ 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 3 N A Q J 9 5 K 10 8 2 N 9 7 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 7 6 WE A 9 5 4 Q 8 3 WE 7 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 7 6 2 S Q 8 4 A K 6 5 4 S J 10 9 ♣ J 8 7 2 ♣ K ♣ 7 ♣ A K Q J 8 4 ♠ 10 8 7 6 ♠ Q 4 3 ♥ K 10 ♥ A K 9 4 ♦ A J 10 3 ♦ 3 2 ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5

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

EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 5♦; NS 2♣; Par −450 NS 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 1N; EW 2♦; Par +110

Board 7Board 7 ♠ 4 2 Board 8Board 8 ♠ A J 6 5 After West’s 1♦ opening bid, should East force to game? We South Deals ♥ Q J 3 2 West Deals ♥ J 10 5 2 would, but it’s not clear. Inviting game would be a reasonable Both Vul ♦ K 5 None Vul ♦ Q 8 7 choice, particularly in a light opening bid framework. If East does ♣ 10 9 6 5 3 ♣ 3 2 respond 2♣, we prefer to play that opener rebids 2♦ with five or more diamonds, so a 2♥ or 2♠ rebid shows exactly 4-4 in the two ♠ K 3 ♠ A Q J 9 5 ♠ K 10 8 2 ♠ 9 7 N N suits. After 2 , East rebids 3 , and West tries 3NT. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♦ ♣ 8 7 6 WE A 9 5 4 Q 8 3 WE 7 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 9 7 6 2 S Q 8 4 A K 6 5 4 S J 10 9 Deep Finesse says eight tricks are the limit in notrump, but the ♣ J 8 7 2 ♣ K ♣ 7 ♣ A K Q J 8 4 defense has only four obvious tricks: two in each major. The key ♠ 10 8 7 6 ♠ Q 4 3 play for the defense is to shift to a club. Because West has a ♥ K 10 ♥ A K 9 4 singleton club and dummy has no side , declarer must cash ♦ A J 10 3 ♦ 3 2 all of dummy’s club winners, which squeezes the West hand in ♣ A Q 4 ♣ 10 9 6 5 three suits. West can afford to pitch one spade and two diamonds, but the fourth and fifth discards will be painful. NS 3♣; NS 1N; NS 1♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 2N; S 2♥; W 3♣; EW 2♦; E 2♣; EW 1♠; Par +110 N 1♥; Par −100: S 3♥×−1 Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 8 6 4 After two passes,Board 10Board 10South opens♠ 10 1♦ 9, and6 West passes — overcalling North Deals ♥ K 10 3 1♥ on this hand,East Deals vulnerable, ♥would9 8 6 be 5 sick. North responds 1♠. Despite holding only 12 HCP, South should not pass 1 with a E-W Vul ♦ A 9 8 4 Both Vul ♦ K J 8 4 ♠ doubleton spade. It’s not clear whether to rebid 1NT or 2♣. The ♣ 2 ♣ Q 2 Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 8 6 4 matchpointyBoard action 10Board 10 is probably♠ 10 1NT, 9 6 which might work especially ♠ A J 3 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ 7 5 4 ♠ J North Deals ♥ K 10N 3 well today, Eastif North Deals elects to♥ play9 8 Nin 6 25♠ rather than 2♦. The uber- ♥ J 8 7 6 5 ♥ 9 4 2 friendly lie of ♥theA E/WJ 10 cards means North♥ Kcan 7 3 take 10 tricks in E-W Vul ♦ WEA 9 8 4 Both Vul ♦ WEK J 8 4 ♦ Q 10 ♦ J 5 spades or diamonds,♦ Q 9 2 losing just two spades♦ A 10and 6 one5 3 club. 2♦ is the ♣ 2 S ♣ Q 2S ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A Q 9 6 3 safer partscore,♣ 10but 9 +1308 6 will not garner♣ manyJ 7 4 matchpoints. 3 ♠ A J 3 ♠ K 5 2 ♠ 7 5 4 ♠ J ♠ 9 7N ♠ A KN Q 8 3 2 ♥ J 8 7 6 5 ♥ 9 4 2 ♥ A J 10 ♥ K 7 3 ♥ WEA Q ♥ WEQ 4 2 ♦ Q 10 ♦ J 5 ♦ Q 9 2 ♦ A 10 6 5 3 ♦ K 7S 6 3 2 ♦ 7 S ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A Q 9 6 3 ♣ 10 9 8 6 ♣ J 7 4 3 ♣ K 8 5 4 ♣ A K 5 ♠ 9 7 ♠ A K Q 8 3 2 ♥ A Q ♥ Q 4 2 NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; ♦ K 7 6 3 2 ♦ 7 ♠ Par +420 ♠ South opensPar +600 1♠. Should North raise to 2♠? It depends in part Board 9Board 9 Q 10 8 6 4 Board 10Board 10 ♣ 10K 89 5 6 4 ♣ A K 5 North Deals ♥ K 10 3 East Deals ♥ 9 8 6 5 on partnership agreement, but we would respond 1NT. In the E-W Vul ♦ A 9 8 4 Both Vul ♦ K J 8 4 mainstream modern style, a simple major-suit raise is mildly NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; constructive.NS 3N; With a NS 3bad 7♠ ;HCP NS 2 or♥ ;worse, EW 1♦ North; EW 1 will♣; typically ♣ 2 ♣ Q 2 Par +420 respond 1NT,Par +600 planning to take a preference to 2♠ on the next ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 3 N K 5 2 7 5 4 N J round. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 6 5 WE 9 4 2 A J 10 WE K 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 10 S J 5 Q 9 2 S A 10 6 5 3 A 2♠ raise will surely drive N/S to game, but they might be able ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A Q 9 6 3 ♣ 10 9 8 6 ♣ J 7 4 3 to stay low after 1NT response. South should rebid 3♠, although a ♠ 9 7 ♠ A K Q 8 3 2 game-forcing jump-shift into 3♣ would not be much of an overbid. ♥ A Q ♥ Q 4 2 (Jump-shifting into a three-card suit looks like the bigger flaw for ♦ K 7 6 3 2 ♦ 7 3♣.) If North chooses to pass 3♠, N/S will go plus, but no one could fault a raise to 3NT. The diamond values need not be as ♣ K 8 5 4 ♣ A K 5 wasted as they are.

NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; ReachingNS 3N; 3NT,NS 3 which♠; NS 2 can♥; EW 1make♦ as; EW 1 the cards♣; lie, looks reachable only through an “imaginative” 3NT rebid by Par +420 SouthBoardPar +600 and11Board 11 a well-judged♠ A J 10 pass 8 6 by North. A 3NT rebid overBoard 1NT 12Board 12 does show♠ Ka Jhand 9 5 4with long, strong spades, but doingSouth itDeals with a small♥ — singleton? That’s a little unusual. West Deals ♥ J 4 None Vul ♦ 10 8 7 5 N-S Vul ♦ K 5 3 ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ K 10 6 Board 11Board 11 ♠ A J 10 8 6 Do you openBoard the South12Board 12 cards?♠ KWe J 9don’t—South’s 5 4 11 HCP are soft, ♠ 9 5 3 ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♠ 8 ♠ 10 7 6 3 South Deals ♥ — N the singletonWest ♠K Deals is a downgradeable♥ J 4N feature, and South will face ♥ A J 8 6 ♥ K 9 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 6 5 3 2 ♥ 8 None Vul ♦ WE10 8 7 5 a difficult rebidN-S Vul after a ♠1 response.♦ WEK 5 3 After West opens 1♣, North’s ♦ A Q 9 ♦ J standard auction♦ 10 is 9 pass, 8 but a 1♠ overcall♦ A might J 2 be the matchpoint ♣ 10 S7 6 4 ♣ K 10S 6 ♣ Q J 9 ♣ A 3 2 winner’s choice♣ A(we 8 7wouldn’t know—we’re♣ J imps 9 5 4 players). 3 Unless ♠ 9 5 3 ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♠ 8 ♠ 10 7 6 3 ♠ K N North overcalls now, N/S probably♠ A QN will2 not enter the auction. N/S ♥ A J 8 6 ♥ K 9 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 6 5 3 2 ♥ 8 ♥ WEQ 10 7 2 can compete effectively to 4♥♦WEK, but Q 9 even 7 4♦ doubled will be ♦ A Q 9 ♦ J ♦ 10 9 8 ♦ A J 2 ♦ K 6S 4 3 2 profitable compared to defending♦ Q 7S 6a 4heart partscore. ♣ Q J 9 ♣ A 3 2 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ J 9 5 4 3 ♣ K 8 5 ♣ Q 2 ♠ K That said, it’s not clear how N/S♠ A shouldQ 2 find diamonds. +140 for ♥ Q 10 7 2 E/W is probably a likely result,♥ K although Q 9 7 it would be easy for EW 3♥; EW 2N; NS 3♦; EW 1♠; NS 1♣; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; ♦ K 6 4 3 2 declarer to lose five tricks in♦ hearts,Q 7 6 4so some N/S pairs might go ♠ Par −100: NS 4♠♦×−1 plus on defense.Par +500: EW 4♣×−3 Board 11Board 11 A J 10 8 6 Board 12Board 12 ♣ K J8 95 5 4 ♣ Q 2 South Deals ♥ — West Deals ♥ J 4 ♦ ♦ None Vul 10 8 7 5 N-SEW 3 Vul♥; EW 2N; NS 3K 5 3♦; EW 1♠; NS 1♣; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; ♣ ♣ 10 7 6 4 Par −100: NS 4♦×−1K 10 6 Par +500: EW 4♣×−3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 5 3 N Q 7 4 2 8 N 10 7 6 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 8 6 WE K 9 5 4 3 A 10 6 5 3 2 WE 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 9 S J 10 9 8 S A J 2 ♣ Q J 9 ♣ A 3 2 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ J 9 5 4 3 ♠ K ♠ A Q 2 ♥ Q 10 7 2 ♥ K Q 9 7 ♦ K 6 4 3 2 ♦ Q 7 6 4 ♣ K 8 5 ♣ Q 2

EW 3♥; EW 2N; NS 3♦; EW 1♠; NS 1♣; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 1♥; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −100: NS 4♦×−1 Par +500: EW 4♣×−3 Board 9Board 9 ♠ Q 10 8 6 4 Board 10Board 10 ♠ 10 9 6 North Deals ♥ K 10 3 East Deals ♥ 9 8 6 5 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 8 4 Both Vul ♦ K J 8 4 ♣ 2 ♣ Q 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 3 N K 5 2 7 5 4 N J ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 6 5 WE 9 4 2 A J 10 WE K 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 10 S J 5 Q 9 2 S A 10 6 5 3 ♣ J 10 7 ♣ A Q 9 6 3 ♣ 10 9 8 6 ♣ J 7 4 3 ♠ 9 7 ♠ A K Q 8 3 2 ♥ A Q ♥ Q 4 2 ♦ K 7 6 3 2 ♦ 7 ♣ K 8 5 4 ♣ A K 5

NS 4♠; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 1♥; NS 1♣; NS 3N; NS 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 1♦; EW 1♣; Par +420 Par +600

Board 11Board 11 ♠ A J 10 8 6 Board 12Board 12 ♠ K J 9 5 4 We would open 2♥ with the West hand, despite some flaws. The South Deals ♥ — West Deals ♥ J 4 two aces give West more defense than usual for a weak two, None Vul ♦ 10 8 7 5 N-S Vul ♦ K 5 3 particularly a first-seat favorable weak two. However, ♥2 is the field ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ K 10 6 action, and there doesn’t seem to be a compelling reason to go ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ against the field here. 9 5 3 N Q 7 4 2 8 N 10 7 6 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 8 6 WE K 9 5 4 3 A 10 6 5 3 2 WE 8 North is a little too weak to overcall 2♠. East passes, and South ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 9 S J 10 9 8 S A J 2 balances with 2NT, which has a wide range in seat — ♣ Q J 9 ♣ A 3 2 ♣ A 8 7 ♣ J 9 5 4 3 about 14-18 HCP. North will probably transfer to spades and bid 3NT, ♠ K ♠ A Q 2 and the spotlight shines on South. The textbook action is to pull 3NT ♥ Q 10 7 2 ♥ K Q 9 7 to 4♠ with three-card support, but South’s hand screams notrump. ♦ K 6 4 3 2 ♦ Q 7 6 4 Passing 3NT looks like the best long-run matchpoint action, and it is ♣ K 8 5 ♣ Q 2 successful today, because 4♠ goes down, off three aces and a heart ruff. Of course, 3NT doesn’t have to be the winner. Clubs could be ♥ ♦ ♠ ♣ the weak spot, ♠leading♥ to 3NT♦ going down♣ when 4♠ would make. Another possibility is that N/S can take one EW 3 ; EW 2N; NS 3 ; EW 1 ; NS 1 ; moreNS 3N; trick NS 3 in spades; NS 1 than; NS 1 notrump,; EW 1 leading; to +650 vs. +630 or +620 vs. +600. Par −100: NS 4♦×−1 Par +500: EW 4♣×−3

Board 13Board 13 ♠ Q 10 9 6 5 North shouldBoard not consider14Board 14 opening♠ — 2♣ with this hand. 20 HCP North Deals ♥ A Q 9 with 5-4-3-1East distribution Deals is not♥ 8close 4 to strong enough for a 2♣ opening. An offbeat 2NT opening does not appeal to us, but it Both Vul ♦ A K J 7 None Vul ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 might work sometimes. ♣ A ♣ A Q 10 9 6 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 N 8 4 How strongly shouldA Q 6 South 4 raise spades?N TheK 9 7spade 5 2 support is ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 6 WE J 8 5 3 2 great, but the shapeQ 10 is poor. WeWE would likeA to J 9offer 7 3 a mixed raise, ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 5 4 2 S 9 8 3 showing about 7-9K J HCP,10 6 3at least four-cardS Asupport, and a little ♣ K Q J 10 9 8 ♣ 7 5 2 shape. (This is♣ roughlyK 8 equivalent to the♣ constructive7 4 four-card raise ♠ A K J 3 2 playing .) If that♠ optionJ 10 8 3is not available, we would make ♥ 10 7 4 a limit raise. A simple raise to♥ 2K♠ 6 looks 5 2 like a big underbid, and a ♦ 10 6 leap to 4♠ should not be made♦ 8 on2 a 5-3-3-2 hand. ♣ ♣ 6 4 3 If South makes a limit raise in spades,J 5 2 North will surely drive to slam. If South makes a mixed raise or simple raise, the partnership might miss slam, but there is a fighting chance to getNS 7 there♠; afterNS 6N; a mixed NS 6♦ raise.; NS 4♥; NS 1♣; W 4♠; W 4♥; E 3♠; E 3♥; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par +2210 Par −420 Twelve tricks are guaranteed, and declarer should take 13. Draw trumps and run the ♦10. If it wins, repeat the finesse and pitch two hearts. If it gets covered, pitch one heart and lead a heart to the♥ Q. Today, the ♦10 might get covered, but even if it does, East’s ♦9-8 fall, promoting the ♦7, so declarer does not need the heart finesse. If the♦ 10 loses, declarer can pitch two hearts from dummy.

Board 13Board 13 ♠ Q 10 9 6 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ — If E/W had the auction to themselves, the auction would likely begin North Deals ♥ A Q 9 East Deals ♥ 8 4 1♠-2NT (Jacoby)-4♥ (5-5 in the majors)-4♠-Pass. 4♠ looks safe, but a club lead will defeat it on this layout, because two Both Vul ♦ A K J 7 None Vul ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 lose and spades are 4-0. ♣ A ♣ A Q 10 9 6 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 N 8 4 A Q 6 4 N K 9 7 5 2 Should South find the club lead against a spade contract? Maybe. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 6 WE J 8 5 3 2 Q 10 WE A J 9 7 3 After 1♠-Pass-2NT, North should get into the bidding. North might ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 5 4 2 S 9 8 3 K J 10 6 3 S A simply overcall 3♣ or North might try something more exotic, ♣ K Q J 10 9 8 ♣ 7 5 2 ♣ K 8 ♣ 7 4 perhaps an intended-as-unusual 3NT overcall, trying to get both ♠ A K J 3 2 Board 15Board 15 ♠♠J A10 2 8 3 minors intoBoard the picture. 16Board 16 We like♠ A the 9 mundane 3♣ overcall, because ♥ 10 7 4 South Deals ♥♥KK 6 Q5 92 7 6 the clubs areWest longer Deals and so much♥ K Q stronger 9 8 6 than the diamonds. ♦ 10 6 N-S Vul ♦♦8 62 4 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 6 The scores on this deal will probably be all over the map. Some ♣ ♣♣ Q J 10 2 ♣ J 8 3 6 4 3 J 5 2 +420s, some -50s, and some more unusual scores. There also will ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 10 9 8 7 5 4 N 6 3 probably be some10 5N/S 4 pairs goingN minus inK Qclubs, 8 2 perhaps even ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♥ ♠ ♥ ♠ ♥ ♥ ♣ ♦ ♥ ♥ NS 7 ; NS 6N; NS 6 ; NS 4 ; NS 1 ; W 48 3 ; W 4 ; E 3 WE; E 3 ; NS 2J 10; EW 1 4 2 some; -500s in 5A♣ 5 doubled. 4 3 WE 10 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Par +2210 PAar −420 5 S K J 7 K 10 8 4 3 S 2 ♣ 4 ♣ 8 7 6 3 ♣ K ♣ A 9 7 6 5 ♠ Q ♠ J 7 6 3 ♥ A 5 ♥ J ♦ Q 10 9 8 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♣ A K 9 5 ♣ Q 10 4 2

NS 5♦; NS 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 2N; NS 1N; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +90 Par +300: EW 5♠×−2

Board 15Board 15 ♠ A 2 Board 16Board 16 ♠ A 9 South Deals ♥ K Q 9 7 6 West Deals ♥ K Q 9 8 6 N-S Vul ♦ 6 4 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 6 ♣ Q J 10 2 ♣ J 8 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 10 9 8 7 5 4 N 6 3 10 5 4 N K Q 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 3 WE J 10 4 2 A 5 4 3 WE 10 7 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 5 S K J 7 K 10 8 4 3 S 2 ♣ 4 ♣ 8 7 6 3 ♣ K ♣ A 9 7 6 5 ♠ Q ♠ J 7 6 3 ♥ A 5 ♥ J ♦ Q 10 9 8 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 ♣ A K 9 5 ♣ Q 10 4 2

NS 5♦; NS 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 2N; NS 1N; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +90 Par +300: EW 5♠×−2 Board 13Board 13 ♠ Q 10 9 6 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ — North Deals ♥ A Q 9 East Deals ♥ 8 4 Both Vul ♦ A K J 7 None Vul ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 ♣ A ♣ A Q 10 9 6 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 N 8 4 A Q 6 4 N K 9 7 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 6 WE J 8 5 3 2 Q 10 WE A J 9 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 5 4 2 S 9 8 3 K J 10 6 3 S A ♣ K Q J 10 9 8 ♣ 7 5 2 ♣ K 8 ♣ 7 4 ♠ A K J 3 2 ♠ J 10 8 3 ♥ 10 7 4 ♥ K 6 5 2 ♦ 10 6 ♦ 8 2 ♣ 6 4 3 ♣ J 5 2

NS 7♠; NS 6N; NS 6♦; NS 4♥; NS 1♣; W 4♠; W 4♥; E 3♠; E 3♥; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par +2210 Par −420

Board 13Board 13 ♠ Q 10 9 6 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ — North Deals ♥ A Q 9 East Deals ♥ 8 4 Both Vul ♦ A K J 7 None Vul ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 ♣ A ♣ A Q 10 9 6 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 N 8 4 A Q 6 4 N K 9 7 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 6 WE J 8 5 3 2 Q 10 WE A J 9 7 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 5 4 2 S 9 8 3 K J 10 6 3 S A ♣ K Q J 10 9 8 ♣ 7 5 2 ♣ K 8 ♣ 7 4 ♠ A K J 3 2 ♠ J 10 8 3 ♥ 10 7 4 ♥ K 6 5 2 ♦ 10 6 ♦ 8 2 ♣ 6 4 3 ♣ J 5 2 Board 15Board 15 ♠ A 2 South opensBoard 1♦, West 16Board 16 overcalls♠ A 49♠, and North doubles. This is ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♠ ♥ ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ NS 7 ; NS 6N; NS 6 ; NS 4 ; NS 1 ; SouthW 4 Deals; W 4 ; E 3♥ K; E 3Q 9 7; NS 26 ; EW 1 not; a pure Westpenalty Deals double —♥ it Kjust Q 9shows 8 6 values. It looks best for Par +2210 N-SPar −420 Vul ♦ 6 4 South to pullE-W the Vul double, with♦ aA decent9 6 minimum, 6-4 distribution, ♣ Q J 10 2 and a singleton spade. South♣ couldJ 8 3 just bid 5♣, but 4NT is a better call, provided North will interpret it as takeout. These competitive ♠ K J 10 9 8 7 5 4 ♠ 6 3 ♠ 10 5 4 ♠ K Q 8 2 N 4NT bids often show two places toN play. South might have long ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 3 WE J 10 4 2 diamonds and fourA 5 clubs4 3 or diamondsWE and10 hearts. 7 2 North bids 5♣ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 5 S K J 7 over 4NT, and SouthK 10 8will 4 3pass. If SouthS had2 diamonds and hearts, ♣ 4 ♣ 8 7 6 3 South would ♣bidK 5♦ over 5♣, asking North♣ A to9 7choose 6 5 between the ♠ Q red suits. ♠ J 7 6 3 ♥ A 5 ♥ J ♦ Q 10 9 8 3 2 Against 5♣, East will probably♦ Q lead J 7 a5 spade. Our line would be to ♣ A K 9 5 play for hearts not 5-1 and clubs♣ Q not10 4 5-0. 2 Win the ♠A, ruff a spade (high or low, it doesn’t matter), then play ♥A and a heart. If West follows♦ to the♣ second♠ heart, ruff♥ a heart high, then draw trumps ending♦ in the♣ North hand. With clubs 4-1, it is necessaryNS 5 ; NS 5 to take; EW 3 the spade; NS 3 ruff; NS 2N; before working on hearts.NS 1N; NS 1 ; NS 1 ; Par +90 Par +300: EW 5♠×−2

Board 15Board 15 ♠ A 2 Board 16Board 16 ♠ A 9 We would open 1NT with the North hand. North has a decent South Deals ♥ K Q 9 7 6 West Deals ♥ K Q 9 8 6 five-card suit, including some useful spot cards, and the favorable N-S Vul ♦ 6 4 E-W Vul ♦ A 9 6 vulnerability makes the upgrade more attractive. We would pass the South hand without a second thought, but some players seem to ♣ Q J 10 2 ♣ J 8 3 have success bidding Stayman with hands like this. Stayman is a big ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J 10 9 8 7 5 4 N 6 3 10 5 4 N K Q 8 2 winner if North holds spades, a loser if North holds just hearts, and a ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 3 WE J 10 4 2 A 5 4 3 WE 10 7 2 mystery if North holds no major (South will pass 2♦ and who knows ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 5 S K J 7 K 10 8 4 3 S 2 how that contract will matchpoint). ♣ 4 ♣ 8 7 6 3 ♣ K ♣ A 9 7 6 5 ♠ Q ♠ J 7 6 3 West might be tempted to balance over 1NT. We would probably ♥ A 5 ♥ J pass, with weak suits, vulnerable. If West does come in, it will be a ♦ Q 10 9 8 3 2 ♦ Q J 7 5 N/S bonanza, as E/W will likely end up in 2♥, possibly doubled. ♣ A K 9 5 ♣ Q 10 4 2 E/W can hold declarer to seven tricks in 1NT, but as is often the case in 1NT, the play and defense can take many paths. On this layout, many of those paths will lead to eight or even NS 5♦; NS 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 3♥; NS 2N; nineNS 1N; tricks NS 1 for ♦declarer.; NS 1♣; Par +90 Par +300: EW 5♠×−2

Board 17Board 17 ♠ 8 7 3 After two passes,Board 18Board 18 South opens♠ 9 18♣ 7. West6 5 2 passes — do not be North Deals ♥ A 10 4 3 tempted toEast double Deals with 13 HCP♥ 10 and9 a doubleton spade or to overcall a weak four-card suit. After passing, West might be able to None Vul ♦ Q 8 7 3 N-S Vul ♦ 8 enter the auction later, if the opponents bid spades. (For instance, ♣ ♣ J 4 if North responds 1♠ and SouthK Jbids 5 2 1NT, 2♣, or 2♠, West might ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J N Q 10 6 5 2 double.) Emphasis10 on “might” —N this is a veryA K 4marginal 3 delayed ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 6 2 WE 7 double. However,A Qat 7 matchpoints 5 3 WE with no 4one 2 vulnerable, it’s ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 9 4 2 S K J 6 5 probably the rightA 10 action. 9 S K J 7 6 5 4 ♣ A 9 7 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 ♣ 10 ♠ A 9 4 North responds 1♥, not 1♦ ♠(seeQ JBoard 4). East might stick in a 1♠ ♥ K Q 9 5 overcall, but it’s a little scary.♥ EitherK J 8 6way, South will raise to 2♥. If ♦ 10 East has overcalled, West might♦ Q 3try 2 2♠ with two honors doubleton. If East passed over 1♥, East probably will balance with 2♠ over 2♥. ♣ K 10 8 3 2 ♣ Q 7 4 3 Exactly where this deal gets played is anyone’s guess. This is the sortEW 2 of board♠; NS 2 where♥; EW 3 it’s hard♦; EW 1N; to predict NS 1 ♣how; the auctionEW 7 will go♦ ; atEW 5N; most tables. EW 5 ♥Either; EW 2 side♠; EW 2 could♣ easily; go plus or Par −100:minus on offenseNS 3♥×−1 or defense. We don’t have much insightPar −1440 to impart other than being on the right side of these competitive partscore deals is crucial for success at matchpoints.

Board 19Board 19 ♠ K J 5 Board 20Board 20 ♠ 9 7 6 5 3 South Deals ♥ K 3 2 West Deals ♥ — E-W Vul ♦ A 6 5 3 2 Both Vul ♦ Q 4 ♣ 6 3 ♣ A K 8 6 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 7 6 N 9 8 3 K Q 10 2 N J 8 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 9 5 WE Q J 8 6 Q J 9 3 WE 10 8 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 10 4 S Q 9 8 10 9 2 S K J 7 5 3 ♣ J 10 9 7 2 ♣ K 8 4 ♣ Q 3 ♣ 9 5 ♠ A Q 4 2 ♠ A ♥ A 10 7 4 ♥ A K 7 6 5 2 ♦ K 7 ♦ A 8 6 ♣ A Q 5 ♣ J 10 7

NS 7♠; NS 6N; NS 6♥; NS 6♦; NS 4♣; NS 7♣; NS 4N; N 3♠; NS 3♥; S 2♠; NS 3♦; Par +1510 Par +2140 Board 17Board 17 ♠ 8 7 3 Board 18Board 18 ♠ 9 8 7 6 5 2 North Deals ♥ A 10 4 3 East Deals ♥ 10 9 None Vul ♦ Q 8 7 3 N-S Vul ♦ 8 ♣ J 4 ♣ K J 5 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J N Q 10 6 5 2 10 N A K 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 6 2 WE 7 A Q 7 5 3 WE 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 9 4 2 S K J 6 5 A 10 9 S K J 7 6 5 4 ♣ A 9 7 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 ♣ 10 ♠ A 9 4 ♠ Q J ♥ K Q 9 5 ♥ K J 8 6 ♦ 10 ♦ Q 3 2 Board 17Board 17 ♠ 8 7 3 Board 18Board 18 ♠♣ 9K 810 7 8 6 3 5 2 2 Our auction, which will be ♣uncontestedQ 7 4 3 by E/W: 1♦-1♥-1♠-2♣ North Deals ♥ A 10 4 3 East Deals ♥ 10 9 (fourth suit game-forcing)-2♦-3♦-3♠ (emphasizing the strong spades)-3NT-Pass. Note West’s 3 bid, as opposed to a seemingly None Vul ♦ Q 8 7 3 N-S Vul♠ ♥♦ 8 ♦ ♣ ♦ ♦♥ ♠ ♣ EW 2 ; NS 2 ; EW 3 ; EW 1N; NS 1 ; matchpoint-orientedEW 7 ; EW 5N; 2NT. West EW 5 has ;slam EW 2 potential,; EW 2 and; when there ♣ J 4 ♣♥K J 5 2 ♠ Par −100: NS 3♠ ×−1 might be a slam,Par −1440 raising partner’s suit is often key. East’s 3♠ bid Board♠ K J17Board 17 8 7 3 ♠ Q 10 6 5 2 Board♠ 10 18Board 18 9 8 7 6 5♠ 2 A K 4 3 ♥ N ♥ N does not show extra shape (if East had 5-6 distribution, East would North♥ J 8Deals 6 2 A 10 4 3 ♥ 7 East♥ ADeals Q 7 5 3 10 9 ♥ 4 2 ♦ WE ♦ WE have rebid 2♠, not 2♦), it simply pinpoints the spade values. None♦ A Vul 9 4 2 Q 8 7 3 ♦ K J 6 5 N-S♦ VulA 10 9 8 ♦ K J 7 6 5 4 That’s not what West wants to hear for a slam contract, so West ♣ S ♣ S ♣ A 9 7 J 4 ♣ Q 6 5 ♣ A 9 8 6 K J 5 2 ♣ 10 suggests 3NT. East has no reason to remove that contract. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K J ♠ A 9N 4 Q 10 6 5 2 10 ♠ Q JN A K 4 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 6 2 ♥ WEK Q 9 5 7 A Q 7 5 3 ♥ WEK J 8 6 4 2 After the normal club lead, declarer wins the first club with the♣ A ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ and has no reason not to play ♦A and another diamond. North A 9 4 2 ♦ 10 S K J 6 5 A 10 9 ♦ Q 3S 2 K J 7 6 5 4 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ shows out, so declarer allows South to win the ♦Q. The defense A 9 7 ♣ K 10 8 3 2 Q 6 5 A 9 8 6 ♣ Q 7 4 3 10 ♠ A 9 4 ♠ Q J will cash out its club winners, and declarer will have nine tricks. ♥ ♥ EW 2♠; NS 2♥; EW 3K Q ♦9 ;5 EW 1N; NS 1♣; EW 7♦; EW 5N; EW 5K J 8 ♥6; EW 2♠; EW 2♣; ♦ By the way, getting♦ to the double-dummy best spot of 7♦ is ridiculous, but 6♦ is a very reasonable contract. Par −100: NS 3♥×−110 DeclarerPar −1440 will plan toQ ruff 3 2 two spades in dummy and make the contract if the Q drops singleton or doubleton ♣ ♣ ♦ K 10 8 3 2 or the ♥K is onside.Q Kudos 7 4 3 to any partnership who reaches 6♦ intelligently. EW 2♠; NS 2♥; EW 3♦; EW 1N; NS 1♣; EW 7♦; EW 5N; EW 5♥; EW 2♠; EW 2♣; Par −100: NS 3♥×−1 BoardPar −1440 19Board 19 ♠ K J 5 What’s yourBoard bidding 20Board 20 philosophy♠ 9 7with 6 5 the 3 North hand? Do you make South Deals ♥ K 3 2 the technicalWest 1♦ response,Deals or♥ do— you go right for the brass ring with E-W Vul ♦ A 6 5 3 2 some numberBoth of Vulnotrump? We♦ Q would 4 respond 1♦, but as previously ♣ 6 3 noted we are imps players. Maybe♣ A K the8 6 matchpoint4 2 mavens respond ♠ ♠ some number♠ of notrump. After 1♦, it is♠ more important for South 10 7 6 N 9 8 3 K Q 10 2 N J 8 4 ♥ ♥ to rebid 2NT, ♥showing the range and hand-type,♥ than to bid a major. 9 5 WE Q J 8 6 North can checkQ back J 9 3 for a major-suitWE fit if10 need8 4 be. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 10 4 S Q 9 8 10 9 2 S K J 7 5 3 ♣ J 10 9 7 2 ♣ K 8 4 Against 3NT by♣ QSouth, 3 West will probably♣ 9lead 5 a club, despite the ♠ A Q 4 2 opening bid. Sometimes it is♠ rightA to on the first round of ♥ A 10 7 4 a suit with two stoppers, but♥ notA Khere. 7 6 Win5 2 the first club and play ♦ K 7 three rounds of diamonds. With♦ A diamonds8 6 3-3, there will be no Board 19Board 19 ♠ K J 5 Board 20Board 20 ♠♣ 9A 7Q 6 5 5 3 further problems, and declarer♣ J will 10 take7 12 tricks. South Deals ♥ K 3 2 West Deals ♥ — E-W Vul ♦ A 6 5 3 2 BothNS 7 Vul♠; NS 6N;♦ NS 6Q 4♥; NS 6♦; NS 4♣; NS 7♣; NS 4N; N 3♠; NS 3♥; S 2♠; NS 3♦; ♣ 6 3 ♣ A K 8 6 4 2 ♠ Par +1510 ♠ After South opensPar +2140 1♥ in fourth seat, North will presumably Board♠ 10 19Board 197 6 K J 5 ♠ 9 8 3 Board♠ K Q20Board 20 10 2 9 7 6 5 3♠ J 8 4 South Deals ♥ K 3N 2 West Deals ♥ — N respond 1♠. A natural 2♣ response would be a better description, ♥ 9 5 ♥ Q J 8 6 ♥ Q J 9 3 ♥ 10 8 4 but most pairs play that as Drury. A natural 3 call, if available, E-W Vul ♦ WEA 6 5 3 2 Both Vul ♦ WEQ 4 ♣ ♦ J 10 4 ♦ Q 9 8 ♦ 10 9 2 ♦ K J 7 5 3 would work well on this layout, but jumping to the three-level while ♣ S ♣ S ♣ J 10 9 7 2 6 3 ♣ K 8 4 ♣ Q 3 A K 8 6 4♣ 29 5 suppressing the five-card spade suit seems wrong to us. Over ♠1 , ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 7 6 ♠ A QN 4 2 9 8 3 K Q 10 2 ♠ A N J 8 4 South will probably rebid 3♥, even though the heart suit is a bit ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 9 5 ♥ WEA 10 7 4 Q J 8 6 Q J 9 3 ♥ WEA K 7 6 5 210 8 4 weaker than ideal for a jump-rebid. We would rebid 3NT as North, ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ J 10 4 ♦ K 7S Q 9 8 10 9 2 ♦ A 8S 6 K J 7 5 3 just hoping to survive. ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ J 10 9 7 2 ♣ A Q 5 K 8 4 Q 3 ♣ J 10 7 9 5 ♠ A Q 4 2 ♠ A On this deal, 3NT will make — probably 11 tricks after a diamond lead ♥ ♥ — but any pairs who make their way to 6♣ can feel proud. At our NS 7♠; NS 6N; NS 6A 10♥ ;7 NS 6 4 ♦; NS 4♣; NS 7♣; NS 4N; N 3A ♠K; 7NS 3 6 5♥ 2; S 2♠; NS 3♦; ♦ ♦ table, that suit wouldn’t even get mentioned. Par +1510 K 7 Par +2140 A 8 6 ♣ A Q 5 ♣ J 10 7

NS 7♠; NS 6N; NS 6♥; NS 6♦; NS 4♣; NS 7♣; NS 4N; N 3♠; NS 3♥; S 2♠; NS 3♦; Par +1510 BoardPar +2140 21Board 21 ♠ 7 6 3 N/S rate toBoard have 22Board 22the auction♠ toK 8themselves. 7 3 2 South will open 2♣ North Deals ♥ 10 6 5 3 2 and rebid East2NT overDeals North’s♥ waitingA 9 5 24♦ response. It is normal to play 2NT systems on this auction, so North will transfer to 3 and N-S Vul ♦ Q J 10 8 E-W Vul ♦ 2 ♥ then rebid 3NT. South might consider passing 3NT with 4-3-3-3 ♣ ♣ J distribution, but this deal is a Agood 8 7 demonstration of why that ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 8 4 N K 10 9 5 2 strategy is dangerous.9 6 Unlike afterN a 1NT opening,A Q J 5 4 responder does ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 7 WE Q 4 not have the optionQ J 6 of3 biddingWE a new suit2 below 3NT, so North’s ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 7 5 S 9 3 3NT rebid mightA 10be 3based on anS unbalancedQ 8 hand.7 6 4 Just because ♣ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 8 4 South is balanced♣ Q 5 doesn’t 3 2 mean he will♣ beJ buying10 a suitable dummy ♠ A Q J for play in 3NT. ♠ 10 ♥ A K 8 ♥ K 10 8 7 ♦ A 6 4 2 Trumps split 3-2 and one of♦ theK Jfinesses 9 5 wins, so ♥4 should make ♣ an overtrick in comfort. Meanwhile,♣ the normal club lead against A 6 5 3NT will kill declarer’s chances.K 9 6 4 NS 5♥; NS 5♦; NS 3♠; NS 2N; EW 1♣; NS 3♥; S 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; EW 1♦; Par +650 Par +140

Board 23Board 23 ♠ 10 6 4 2 Board 24Board 24 ♠ Q 9 South Deals ♥ Q 10 6 West Deals ♥ Q 4 Both Vul ♦ 10 6 None Vul ♦ 3 ♣ K 10 9 7 ♣ A J 10 8 6 5 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 3 N J 5 K 7 6 5 N J 10 4 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 4 3 WE A K 5 2 A K 6 WE J 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q J S K 9 8 7 5 4 K 7 4 2 S Q 9 5 ♣ A Q J 8 4 ♣ 6 ♣ Q 9 ♣ 7 3 ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ A 8 ♥ 9 8 7 ♥ 10 9 8 7 5 ♦ A 3 2 ♦ A J 10 8 6 ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ K

EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 4♦; EW 2♣; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; S 1♦; Par +400 Par −620 Board 21Board 21 ♠ 7 6 3 Board 22Board 22 ♠ K 8 7 3 2 North Deals ♥ 10 6 5 3 2 East Deals ♥ A 9 5 4 N-S Vul ♦ Q J 10 8 E-W Vul ♦ 2 ♣ J ♣ A 8 7 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 8 4 N K 10 9 5 2 9 6 N A Q J 5 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 7 WE Q 4 Q J 6 3 WE 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 7 5 S 9 3 A 10 3 S Q 8 7 6 4 ♣ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 8 4 ♣ Q 5 3 2 ♣ J 10 ♠ A Q J ♠ 10 ♥ A K 8 ♥ K 10 8 7 ♦ A 6 4 2 ♦ K J 9 5 ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K 9 6 4

NS 5♥; NS 5♦; NS 3♠; NS 2N; EW 1♣; NS 3♥; S 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; EW 1♦; Board 21Board 21 ♠ 7 6 3 BoardPar +650 22Board 22 ♠ K 8 7 3 2 Would you openPar +140 the East hand? We’re on the fence. Nonvulnerable, North Deals ♥ 10 6 5 3 2 East Deals ♥ A 9 5 4 we probably would, but vulnerable we would pass. Move the ♣J-10 N-S Vul ♦ Q J 10 8 E-W Vul ♦ 2 into diamonds and we would open, even vulnerable. If East doesn’t open 1 , North will. South responds 1NT, North rebids 2 , and ♣ J ♣ A 8 7 ♠ ♥ South raises to 3 . Jumping to 4 is possible, but 3 looks more ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 4 N K 10 9 5 2 9 6 N A Q J 5 4 prudent at matchpoints. There is no guarantee that both of the ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 7 WE Q 4 Q J 6 3 WE 2 minor-suit kings will be useful cards in a heart contract. ♦ K 7 5 ♦ 9 3 ♦ A 10 3 ♦ Q 8 7 6 4 K 7 5 S 9 3 A 10 3 S Q 8 7 6 4 ♣ 10 9 7 3 2 ♣ K Q 8 4 ♣ Q 5 3 2 ♣ J 10 Against 3♥, East’s natural lead is a club, preferring two touching ♠ A Q J ♠ 10 honors to queen-empty-fifth of diamonds. Deep Finesse says N/S ♥ A K 8 ♥ K 10 8 7 can take nine tricks in hearts, but that looks like a difficult feat. We ♦ A 6 4 2 ♦ K J 9 5 would expect most declarers in 3♥ to fail. Well done to any N/S pair that manages to go plus after a 1 opening by North. ♣ A 6 5 ♣ K 9 6 4 ♠

NS 5♥; NS 5♦; NS 3♠; NS 2N; EW 1♣; NS 3♥; S 1N; NS 2♣; NS 1♠; EW 1♦; Par +650 BoardPar +140 23Board 23 ♠ 10 6 4 2 West opensBoard 1♣, and24Board 24 East will♠ Qrespond 9 1♦ or 1♥. The traditional South Deals ♥ Q 10 6 response Westis 1♦, andDeals even some♥ Q pairs4 that typically respond in a Both Vul ♦ 10 6 four-card Nonemajor Vulwhen holding♦ 3 a longer diamond suit will respond ♣ 1♦. Only die-hard Walsh-style♣ players will respond 1♥, and only if K 10 9 7 East evaluates his hand as notA worth J 10 8 a 6game-force. 5 4 2 (We would just ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 7 3 N J 5 invite.) K 7 6 5 N J 10 4 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 4 3 WE A K 5 2 A K 6 WE J 3 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q J S K 9 8 7 5 4 All roads shouldK 7lead 4 2 to 3NT by SWest. NorthQ 9 has5 a normal spade ♣ A Q J 8 4 ♣ 6 lead, after which♣ Q 9West will establish the♣ diamonds,7 3 taking five ♠ A Q 9 8 tricks in that suit, plus two ♠heartsA 8 and one in each black suit. +600 ♥ 9 8 7 for E/W should be a fairly flat♥ 10 score9 8 7 around5 the room. ♦ A 3 2 ♦ A J 10 8 6 ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ K

EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 4♦; EW 2♣; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; S 1♦; Par +400 Board 23Board 23 ♠ 10 6 4 2 BoardPar −620 24Board 24 ♠ Q 9 How many clubs do you bid with the North hand after West’s 1NT South Deals ♥ Q 10 6 West Deals ♥ Q 4 opening? We would go for 4♣, but if we were vulnerable, we would Both Vul ♦ 10 6 None Vul ♦ 3 not consider bidding more than 3♣. 5♣ looks too aggressive. ♣ K 10 9 7 ♣ A J 10 8 6 5 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ It looks like there are just 10 tricks in clubs: eight clubs and two K 7 3 N J 5 K 7 6 5 N J 10 4 3 2 aces. However, if South somehow becomes declarer (don’t ask us ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 4 3 WE A K 5 2 A K 6 WE J 3 2 how), West is endplayed on . After the likely heart lead, ♦ Q J ♦ K 9 8 7 5 4 ♦ K 7 4 2 ♦ Q 9 5 Q J S K 9 8 7 5 4 K 7 4 2 S Q 9 5 declarer can set up the heart suit with one ruff. Because West holds ♣ A Q J 8 4 ♣ 6 ♣ Q 9 ♣ 7 3 the ♠K, West is unable to profitably attack spades, leaving declarer ♠ A Q 9 8 ♠ A 8 enough time to establish the hearts while the ♠A remains as an ♥ 9 8 7 ♥ 10 9 8 7 5 entry. If North is declarer, a spade or even a diamond lead will give ♦ A 3 2 ♦ A J 10 8 6 the defense the upper hand. ♣ 5 3 2 ♣ K

EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 4♦; EW 2♣; S 5♣; N 4♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♥; S 1♦; Par +400 Par −620 Board 25Board 25 ♠ Q 8 North passes,Board East 26Board 26 opens 1♣♠, and9 8 South6 4 3 jumps to 4♠. Facing a North Deals ♥ A 6 2 passed hand,East the Deals big preempt♥ 4has a lot of upside. On this deal, it gives West a big problem. The winning call is double, as long E-W Vul ♦ 10 8 7 5 3 Both Vul ♦ K 10 4 2 ♣ as West leads the ♦A, crosses♣ to East in clubs, and can ruff out 10 8 7 South’s ♦K. However, it looks very10 7 possible4 for West to commit the ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 6 N J 3 partnership to 5K♣ 2, which should beN down Atwo, Q Jlosing 5 two spade ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K J 8 7 4 WE Q 10 5 3 tricks, the ♥A, andK Q a10 heart 6 3 2ruff.WE Going plus9 on 8 5this deal will probably ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A S Q J 6 be a good scoreA for Q 6both sides. S 5 3 ♣ K J 9 4 3 ♣ A Q 5 2 ♣ A 9 ♣ Q 8 6 5 ♠ A K 9 7 5 4 2 ♠ 10 7 ♥ 9 ♥ A J 7 ♦ K 9 4 2 ♦ J 9 8 7 ♣ 6 ♣ K J 3 2

EW 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♦; EW 3♣; NS 1N; W 5N; EW 5♥; E 3N; EW 2♠; S 1♦; EW 1♣; Par −100: NS 4♠×−1; NS 5♦×−1 Par −660

Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 3 Board 28Board 28 ♠ 10 4 South Deals ♥ 6 3 2 West Deals ♥ A 10 2 None Vul ♦ A 10 7 2 N-S Vul ♦ A K Q J 10 ♣ Q 9 6 2 ♣ 7 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q 10 7 4 N 8 2 A K 9 5 2 N 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 10 9 7 WE K 8 5 — WE Q 8 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 4 S K Q J 8 3 8 6 5 3 2 S 9 4 ♣ 10 5 3 ♣ A J 4 ♣ Q 6 3 ♣ A K 10 8 5 ♠ K J 9 6 5 ♠ Q J 3 ♥ Q 4 ♥ K J 9 7 6 5 4 ♦ 9 6 5 ♦ 7 ♣ K 8 7 ♣ J 9

EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♦; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; EW 4♠; NS 3♥; EW 3♣; S 1♦; Par −420 Par −140 Board 25Board 25 ♠ Q 8 Board 26Board 26 ♠ 9 8 6 4 3 North Deals ♥ A 6 2 East Deals ♥ 4 E-W Vul ♦ 10 8 7 5 3 Both Vul ♦ K 10 4 2 ♣ 10 8 7 ♣ 10 7 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 6 N J 3 K 2 N A Q J 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K J 8 7 4 WE Q 10 5 3 K Q 10 6 3 2 WE 9 8 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A S Q J 6 A Q 6 S 5 3 ♣ K J 9 4 3 ♣ A Q 5 2 ♣ A 9 ♣ Q 8 6 5 Board 25Board 25 ♠ Q 8 Board 26Board 26 ♠♠ A9 K8 69 47 53 4 2 After two passes, West opens♠ 110♥ ,7 and East has to choose between North Deals ♥ A 6 2 East Deals ♥♥ 94 responding 1♠, raising to 2♥♥, orA usingJ 7 Drury. We would never E-W Vul ♦ 10 8 7 5 3 Both Vul ♦♦ KK 910 4 4 2 2 respond 1♠. There is a known♦ eight-cardJ 9 8 7 heart fit (unless West has opened a four-card suit in third seat, which is his problem), so why ♣ 10 8 7 ♣♣ 610 7 4 ♣ K J 3 2 bother introducing the spades? Spades might be the right strain for ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 6 N J 3 K 2 N A Q J 5 slam (give West something like ♠K10xx ♥AKQxxx ♦Ax ♣x, where ♥ ♥ ♥EW 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 4♦; EW 3♥ ♣; NS 1N; W 5N; EW 5♥; E 3N; EW 2♠; S 1♦; EW 1♣; K J 8 7 4 WE Q 10 5 3 K Q 10 6 3 2 WE 9 8 5 6♠ will likely make and 6♥ is nearly hopeless), but if that is the ♦ ♦ ♦Par −100: NS 4♠×−1; NS 5♦♦×−1 Par −660 A S Q J 6 A Q 6 S 5 3 case, there will be time to find spades later. ♣ K J 9 4 3 ♣ A Q 5 2 ♣ A 9 ♣ Q 8 6 5 Board 25Board 25 ♠♠AQ K 8 9 7 5 4 2 Board 26Board 26 ♠ 910 8 7 6 4 3 A more interesting question is whether East is strong enough for North Deals ♥♥9A 6 2 East Deals ♥ 4A J 7 Drury. That depends on partnership style. If you play sound opening bids, then it makes sense to keep Drury as showing a full limit raise E-W Vul ♦♦K10 9 84 72 5 3 Both Vul ♦ KJ 910 8 4 7 2 ♣ ♣ or close to it. If you open light, then there will not be very many full ♣ 610 8 7 ♣ 10K J7 34 2 limit raises, and you will get more mileage out of Drury if you lower ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 10 6 N J 3 the floorK 2 a bit, includingN some Agood Q J 59-counts. We think this hand is very close to the borderline for Drury, but ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ EW 4K ♥J ;8 NS 3 7 4 ♠; NS 4WE♦; EW 3Q♣ ;10 NS 1N; 5 3 weW 5N; areK Qlight 10EW 5 6Drury 3♥ 2; E 3N; bidders.WE EW 2 There’s♠9; S 18 no5♦; rightEW 1 or♣; wrong answer — pick a style that works for you. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Par −100:A NS 4♠×−1;S NS 5♦×−1Q J 6 Par −660A Q 6 S 5 3 ♣ K J 9 4 3 ♣ A Q 5 2 It looks♣ A 9 normal to reach 4♥ by♣ QWest. 8 6 5North will probably lead a spade, which looks better than leading a ♠ A K 9 7 5 4 2 diamond from the♠ ♦10K. 7 We would win the ♠J in dummy and finesse in diamonds, which is not the winning play. ♥ 9 After that, good defense♥ A J 7 will hold declarer to 10 tricks. Taking 11 tricks on this deal will be worth a good score ♦ K 9 4 2 for E/W. ♦ J 9 8 7 ♣ 6 ♣ K J 3 2 Board 27Board 27 ♠ A 3 Should NorthBoard open 28Board 28 light in third♠ 10 seat? 4 We probably wouldn’t, but ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ EW 4 ; NS 3 ; NS 4 ; EW 3 ; NS 1N; SouthW 5N; Deals EW 5 ; ♥E 3N;6 3 2EW 2 ; S 1 ; EW 1some; might.West A light Deals opening♥ mightA 10 work2 on this deal if E/W don’t ♠ ♦ Par −100: NS 4 ×−1; NS 5 ×−1 NonePar −660 Vul ♦ A 10 7 2 have the toolsN-S to Vul find their ♦heartA K fitQ Jor 10 to penalize the opponents. ♣ Q 9 6 2 However, N/S are in danger ♣if E/W7 4 2 start doubling them. Anything ♠ ♠ higher than 1♠♠ can be doubled and beaten♠ at least 300. Q 10 7 4 N 8 2 A K 9 5 2 N 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 10 9 7 WE K 8 5 Ironically, it may— be more disruptiveWE if NorthQ 8passes, 3 rather than ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 4 S K Q J 8 3 opens. East might8 6 open 5 3 2 1♦, althoughS we prefer9 4 1NT, upgrading ♣ 10 5 3 ♣ A J 4 for the strong♣ five-cardQ 6 3 diamond suit. South♣ A K overcalls10 8 5 ♠1 . Then if ♠ K J 9 6 5 West chooses to make a negative♠ Q J double,3 East will either rebid ♠ ♠ Board 27Board 27 A 3 Board 28Board 28 ♥ Q10 4 4 2♦ or (our choice) 1NT. West♥ hasK J no 9 7reason 6 5 4 to bid over either of South Deals ♥ 6 3 2 West Deals ♦♥ 9A 610 5 2 those contracts. ♦ 7 None Vul ♦ A 10 7 2 N-S Vul ♣♦ KA 8K 7 Q J 10 ♣ J 9 ♣ Q 9 6 2 ♣ 7 4 2 A 1NT opening by East will fare better. West should use Stayman, ♠ ♠ then♠ bid 2♥ over East’s 2♦ rebid,♠ showing both majors and less than invitational strength. (If East had bid a Q 10 7 4 N 8 2 EW 3A K♥ 9; EW 2N;5 2 EW 2N ♦; EW 18♠ 7; 6EW 1♣; EW 4♠; NS 3♥; EW 3♣; S 1♦; Par −420 ♥ ♥ major,♥ West should invite, but♥ it looks better to go low at matchpoints when East has no major.) A J 10 9 7 WE K 8 5 Par −140— WE Q 8 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 4 S K Q J 8 3 8 6 5 3 2 S 9 4 ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ Board10 5 27Board 27 3 ♠ A 3 A J 4 BoardQ 28Board 286 3 ♠ 10 4 A K 10 8 5 There is another opportunity for a 1NT opening on a 14-count. South Deals ♠♥K6 J 3 9 2 6 5 West Deals ♥♠ AQ 10J 32 West passes, and we would open 1NT with the North hand. East None Vul ♥♦QA 4 10 7 2 N-S Vul ♦♥ AK KJ 9Q 7J 610 5 4 passes, and South bids 4♦, a . It’s not clear for East or West to come into the auction, and they will miss a decent 4♠. ♦♣9Q 6 95 6 2 ♣♦ 77 4 2 Meanwhile, it’s not automatic for E/W to defeat 4 . ♠ ♣ K 8 7 ♠ ♠ ♣ J 9 ♠ ♥ Q 10 7 4 N 8 2 A K 9 5 2 N 8 7 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 10 9 7 WE K 8 5 — WE Q 8 3 East leads a high club, and West should discourage, even though EW 3♦ ♥; EW 2N; EW 2♦; EW 1♦ ♠; EW 1♣; EW 4♦ ♠; NS 3♥; EW 3♣; S 1♦♦; Par −420 4 S K Q J 8 3 8 6 5 3 2 S 9 4 he has the ♣Q. Dummy has a doubleton, so an encouraging Par −140♣ 10 5 3 ♣ A J 4 ♣ Q 6 3 ♣ A K 10 8 5 signal usually shows the ability to overruff dummy. If West does ♠ K J 9 6 5 ♠ Q J 3 encourage, East has no reason to suspect West has the ♠A-K and ♥ Q 4 ♥ K J 9 7 6 5 4 will play a third club: disaster. If West does discourage, East still ♦ 9 6 5 ♦ 7 needs to find the winning shift of a spade. A spade looks like the best shift, but a diamond could be the winner as well. ♣ K 8 7 ♣ J 9

EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♦; EW 1♠; EW 1♣; EW 4♠; NS 3♥; EW 3♣; S 1♦; Par −420 Par −140 Board 29Board 29 ♠ J Time to talkBoard about 30Board 30 one of our♠ Q favorite 6 5 2 conventions: transfer North Deals ♥ Q 10 3 over a takeoutEast Deals double of a♥ major.10 5 After 1♥ (X), 1NT shows clubs, Both Vul ♦ Q 7 4 2 2♣ showsNone diamonds, Vul 2♦ shows♦ A Q a J constructive 8 heart raise, and ♣ 2♥ shows a weaker raise. Showing♣ a new suit is usually based K Q 5 4 3 on length in that suit, but it could6 3 2 also be a prelude to raising ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 8 6 3 N 9 5 4 partner’s major8 7with 4 a hand thatN wants partnerA 3 to lead the ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 WE A K 9 6 5 4 suit transferredQ to.9 7 This 6 conventionWE is usefulA K because8 it allows ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 10 8 6 S 5 responder to show10 6 5 his suit immediately,S Kwhether 7 4 he has a ♣ J ♣ A 10 6 competitive♣ handJ 9 4or a stronger hand. ♣HavingA K 10 two 8 5tiers of raises at ♠ A Q 7 2 the two-level is also beneficial.♠ K J 10 9 ♥ 2 ♥ J 4 3 2 ♦ A J 9 3 On this deal, West has an easy♦ 9 23♦ 2 bid, showing a constructive raise. Without a way to show a constructive raise, West would feel ♣ 9 8 7 2 ♣ Q 7 Board 29Board 29 ♠ J a bit guiltyBoard about 30Board 30 bidding 2♠♥,Q which 6 5 2 could be bid on a significantly weaker hand. The 2♦ transfer gets the hand off West’s chest immediately. NorthEW 3 Deals♥; EW 2N;♥ EW 2Q 10 3♠; NS 3♣; S 2♦; EastEW 4N; Deals EW 4♥♥; 10EW 5 5 ♣; NS 1♠; EW 1♦; ♦ ♦ NorthBothN 1 ♦ Vulbids; Par −140 3♣, and QEast 7 4 competes 2 with 3♥. If N/S competeNonePar −430 Vul to 4♣, East willA Q have J 8 an easy time doubling, expecting West to♣ haveK Q 5some 4 3 defensive strength. That will net +200 and♣ 6a 3great 2 matchpoint score. It would be ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ less comfortableK 10 8 6 3 for EastN if West’s9 5 raise4 was wide-ranging,8 as 7 44♣ could easilyN be making.A 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 WE A K 9 6 5 4 Q 9 7 6 WE A K 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 10 8 6 S 5 10 6 5 S K 7 4 Board 29Board 29 ♠ J Board♣ J 30Board 30 ♠ Q 6 5 2 ♣ A 10 6 East has 21 HCP,♣ J 9but 4 the aces, kings, and♣ strongA K 10 five-card8 5 club suit North Deals ♥ Q 10 3 East Deals ♠♥ A10 Q 5 7 2 make this hand an automatic♠ upgradeK J 10 9 to a 2♣ opening and a 2NT ♦ ♥♦ 2 rebid. We would not use Stayman♥ J 4 3 as 2 West, because of the 4-3-3-3 Both Vul Q 7 4 2 None Vul A Q J 8 distribution. Instead, we’d just raise to 3NT. ♣ K Q 5 4 3 ♦♣ A6 3J 29 3 ♦ 9 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ K 10 8 6 3 N 9 5 4 8 7 4 9 8N 7 2 A 3 South has a difficult opening-leadQ 7 problem. We’d be torn between ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 WE A K 9 6 5 4 Q 9 7 6 WE A K 8 spades, hearts, and diamonds. It’s probably best to lead a spade, ♦ ♦ EW 3♦ ♥; EW 2N; EW 2♠; NS 3♦ ♣; S 2♦; in case partnerEW 4N; has an EW 4 honor♥ ; there.EW 5 ♣Even; NS 1 if ♠partner; EW 1 ♦doesn’t; have a K 10 8 6 S 5 10 6 5 S K 7 4 ♣ J ♣ A 10 6 N♣ 1J♦ 9; Par −1404 ♣ A K 10 8 5 spade honor,P itar −430 still might be best to get spades started. Spades is ♠ A Q 7 2 ♠ K J 10 9 the winner here. After winning the ♠A, it looks right to cash one ♥ 2 ♥ J 4 3 2 high club, test hearts, then fall back on the club finesse. When ♠ North follows with the 10 ♠on the second round of the suit, it’s ♦ A J 9 3 Board 31Board 31 ♦ 29 3 2 Board 32Board 32 ♥ 6 ♥ not clear whether to finesse♥ or not. Finessing is the right play in a ♣ 9 8 7 2 South Deals ♣ JQ 8 7 7 6 West Deals A J 4 N-S Vul ♦ K 9 8 6 5 vacuum (aE-W discussion Vul of restricted♦ J 10 7choice 5 is beyond the scope of this analysis, but that is the relevant principle to this topic), but that ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ K 10 7 4 3 EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; S 2♦; is aEW 4N; committal EW 4 play♥; thatEW 5 costs♣; NS 1 the♠ only; EW 1 entry♦; to dummy when it fails. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ N 1♦; Par −140 Par −430K 9 6 5 N A Q J 10 3 9 N 10 8 7 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ Finessing5 2 hearts is theWE winner here,A Q but9 3 when declarer finesses10 5 3 in clubs, WEthe roof fallsQ in. 9 2The defense can cash ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ its spadeA J 10 winners, squeezingS declarer’s7 2 hand. East must eitherA 9 4bare 3 2 the ♦K orS discardQ an 8 6extra winner in clubs. If East♣ A does6 5 4 keep two diamonds♣ K and10 North wins the last♣ roundA Q 9of 5 spades, North can♣ Jexit 2 in clubs, forcing East to lead a diamond♠ away8 7 4 from the ♦K. This is a strip-squeeze (or squeeze-)♠ A K Q J 4 against2 declarer. Kudos to any defenders who♥ Kpull 10 it 4 off. ♥ K 8 7 6 ♦ Q 4 3 ♦ K ♣ J 9 8 7 ♣ 8 6 Board 31Board 31 ♠ 2 West and EastBoard begin 32Board 32 by bidding♠ 6 1♣-1♠-2♠, after which East has to South Deals ♥ J 8 7 6 decide whetherWest toDeals try for slam♥ A or J 4simply bid game. Slam is against EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 3♣; EW 1♦;the odds, butNS 4 investigating♥; NS 3♠ ; itNS 2N; is unlikely NS 2 to♣ ;help EW 1 the♦; defense, so N-S Vul ♦ K 9 8 6 5 E-W Vul ♦ J 10 7 5 Par −450 East probablyPar +420 should make a slam-try. East might bid 2NT if the ♣ ♣ Q 3 2 partnership plays that as an artificialK 10 7 4 asking3 bid. Here, West will ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 9 6 5 N A Q J 10 3 show a minimum9 with four trumps.N Over that10 8 disappointing7 5 3 reply, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 2 WE A Q 9 3 East just bids 410♠ .5 3 WE Q 9 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 S 7 2 A 9 4 3 2 S Q 8 6 Board 31Board 31 ♠ 2 Board♣ A 32Board 326 5 4 ♠ 6 ♣ K 10 The E/W hands♣ A actually Q 9 5 fit very well together,♣ J 2 making the chances South Deals ♥ J 8 7 6 West Deals ♠♥ 8A 7J 44 for 12 tricks roughly 50-50 —♠ hingingA K Q J on 4 2whether the heart finesse N-S Vul ♦ K 9 8 6 5 E-W Vul ♥♦ KJ 1010 74 5 wins or loses. On this layout,♥ theK 8 finesse 7 6 loses, so 11 tricks are the limit. If a pair bids slam and goes down, they can consider ♣ ♦♣ Q 4 3 ♦ K Q 3 2 K 10 7 4 3 themselves mildly unlucky. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♣ ♠ ♣ K 9 6 5 N A Q J 10 3 9 J 9N 8 7 10 8 7 5 3 8 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 2 WE A Q 9 3 10 5 3 WE Q 9 2 ♦ ♦ EW 5♦ ♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 3♦ ♣; EW 1♦; NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; A J 10 S 7 2 A 9 4 3 2 S Q 8 6 ♣ A 6 5 4 ♣ K 10 P♣ar −450A Q 9 5 ♣ J 2 Par +420 ♠ 8 7 4 ♠ A K Q J 4 2 ♥ K 10 4 ♥ K 8 7 6 ♦ Q 4 3 ♦ K ♣ J 9 8 7 ♣ 8 6

EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 3♣; EW 1♦; NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par −450 Par +420 Board 29Board 29 ♠ J Board 30Board 30 ♠ Q 6 5 2 North Deals ♥ Q 10 3 East Deals ♥ 10 5 Both Vul ♦ Q 7 4 2 None Vul ♦ A Q J 8 ♣ K Q 5 4 3 ♣ 6 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 8 6 3 N 9 5 4 8 7 4 N A 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 8 7 WE A K 9 6 5 4 Q 9 7 6 WE A K 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 10 8 6 S 5 10 6 5 S K 7 4 ♣ J ♣ A 10 6 ♣ J 9 4 ♣ A K 10 8 5 ♠ A Q 7 2 ♠ K J 10 9 ♥ 2 ♥ J 4 3 2 ♦ A J 9 3 ♦ 9 3 2 ♣ 9 8 7 2 ♣ Q 7

EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♠; NS 3♣; S 2♦; EW 4N; EW 4♥; EW 5♣; NS 1♠; EW 1♦; N 1♦; Par −140 Par −430

Board 31Board 31 ♠ 2 Board 32Board 32 ♠ 6 After three passes, South opens 1♠. West might make a takeout South Deals ♥ J 8 7 6 West Deals ♥ A J 4 double with a maximum passed hand, but with only three hearts, it’s N-S Vul ♦ K 9 8 6 5 E-W Vul ♦ J 10 7 5 a bit dangerous — East might overcompete in hearts. If West wants ♣ Q 3 2 ♣ K 10 7 4 3 to come into the auction, the best choice looks like 1NT, showing ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ both minors. K 9 6 5 N A Q J 10 3 9 N 10 8 7 5 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 5 2 WE A Q 9 3 10 5 3 WE Q 9 2 It will be hard for N/S to stay out of game here. 3NT looks like the ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 S 7 2 A 9 4 3 2 S Q 8 6 best game, but 4♠ is very reasonable too. The bad spade split looks ♣ A 6 5 4 ♣ K 10 ♣ A Q 9 5 ♣ J 2 like it will sink either contract. N/S pairs who manage to go plus rate ♠ 8 7 4 ♠ A K Q J 4 2 to score very well. ♥ K 10 4 ♥ K 8 7 6 ♦ Q 4 3 ♦ K ♣ J 9 8 7 ♣ 8 6

EW 5♠; EW 4N; EW 3♥; EW 3♣; EW 1♦; NS 4♥; NS 3♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par −450 Par +420 Board 33Board 33 ♠ 10 5 We wouldBoard pass with34Board 34 the North♠ 10 hand.8 5 3 A2 3♣ opening might work, North Deals ♥ 8 5 but thereEast are many Deals strikes ♥againstA K J it:4 only a six-card club suit, weak spot cards, and the worst possible distribution, for three. Having None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 the A-K is also a mild negative factor. North has a bit more ♣ ♣ ♣ A K 7 6 3 2 defense than is ideal for a preemptiveJ 8 opening. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 6 3 N A K J 8 A K 6 N J 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 7 WE A Q 9 4 3 2 East has a slightlyQ 8 7awkward 6 5 handWE to bid.10 If East9 3 chooses to ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 8 5 2 S 4 3 into 2♠, E/W Ashould K get to 4♥.S The moreQ conservative10 9 2♥ rebid ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ Q will likely lead♣ Ato 10 missing 6 game. We will♣ dodgeK 9 3 2 the question of ♠ Q 7 4 2 what to rebid by explaining♠ thatQ 9 we play . We would open ♥ J 10 6 2♦ and over West’s 2♥ response,♥ 2 we would rebid 3♥, showing ♦ K J 6 extra values but limited to ♦aboutJ 8 6 16 5 HCP.3 2 ♣ ♣ J 10 5 The diamond finesse wins, andQ 7 the 5 4 spade finesse loses. The fall of the ♠10 means that 11 tricks are likely. We have sympathy for the pairs who miss game, but our sympathy will notEW 5 be much♥; EW 4 consolation♠; EW 3 ♦to; EW 1N;the pairs Par −450 who score +200 withEW 4 these♥; EW 3N; cards. EW 2♠; W 3♣; E 2♣; EW 1♦; Par −420

Board 33Board 33 ♠ 10 5 Board 34Board 34 ♠ 10 8 5 3 2 A simple auction: West will open 2NT and East should raise to 3NT. North Deals ♥ 8 5 East Deals ♥ A K J 4 Even if E/W play Puppet Stayman, it looks wrong to use it with East’s flat distribution. Even if there is a 5-3 fit, it is far from clear None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 that the major will play better than 3NT. ♣ A K 7 6 3 2 ♣ J 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 6 3 N A K J 8 A K 6 N J 7 4 If the auction is unrevealing, North might try leading a high heart ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 7 WE A Q 9 4 3 2 Q 8 7 6 5 WE 10 9 3 against 3NT, rather than the five-card spade suit — planning to ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ shift to spades if need be. What happens at trick two will depend A Q 8 5 2 S 4 3 A K S Q 10 9 ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ Q ♣ A 10 6 ♣ K 9 3 2 on N/S’s carding methods. If they play standard carding, North will ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♠ Q 9 shift to spades, and it will be hard for West to avoid playing the ♠J ♥ J 10 6 ♥ 2 from dummy. That will go badly for declarer, and 3NT will probably fail. If N/S use upside-down carding, North might continue hearts, ♦ K J 6 ♦ J 8 6 5 3 2 which will be costly for the defense. ♣ J 10 5 ♣ Q 7 5 4 Board 35Board 35 ♠ K 8 7 4 2 If E/W reachBoard 4♥, 36Board 36the fall of ♠the— ♠Q makes success likely for declarer, EW 5♥; EW 4♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; Par −450 EW 4♥; EW 3N; EW 2♠; W 3♣; E 2♣; South Deals ♥ A 9 6 despite havingWest three Deals trump ♥losers.K 8 6Despite 4 3 2 the success of 4♥ as the EW 1♦; Par −420 E-W Vul ♦ K 3 cards lie, weBoth stand Vul by our auction♦ Q 7 to6 53NT. ♣ A 5 3 ♣ A 10 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 3 N A 5 Q 9 6 4 3 N K J 10 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 4 3 2 WE Q 8 7 5 7 5 WE A J 9 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 8 S J 10 9 7 A 10 4 S K 2 ♣ K 10 9 6 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ K 7 6 ♠ 10 9 6 ♠ A 7 2 ♥ K J ♥ Q 10 ♦ Q 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 ♣ Q J 9 4

NS 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♠; E 2N; NS 2♥; N 3♦; W 1N; S 2♦; Par +110 N 2♣; S 1♣; Par −140

Board 35Board 35 ♠ K 8 7 4 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ — South Deals ♥ A 9 6 West Deals ♥ K 8 6 4 3 2 E-W Vul ♦ K 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 7 6 5 ♣ A 5 3 ♣ A 10 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 3 N A 5 Q 9 6 4 3 N K J 10 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 4 3 2 WE Q 8 7 5 7 5 WE A J 9 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 8 S J 10 9 7 A 10 4 S K 2 ♣ K 10 9 6 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ K 7 6 ♠ 10 9 6 ♠ A 7 2 ♥ K J ♥ Q 10 ♦ Q 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 ♣ Q J 9 4

NS 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♠; E 2N; NS 2♥; N 3♦; W 1N; S 2♦; Par +110 N 2♣; S 1♣; Par −140 Board 33Board 33 ♠ 10 5 Board 34Board 34 ♠ 10 8 5 3 2 North Deals ♥ 8 5 East Deals ♥ A K J 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 ♣ A K 7 6 3 2 ♣ J 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 6 3 N A K J 8 A K 6 N J 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 7 WE A Q 9 4 3 2 Q 8 7 6 5 WE 10 9 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 8 5 2 S 4 3 A K S Q 10 9 ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ Q ♣ A 10 6 ♣ K 9 3 2 ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♠ Q 9 ♥ J 10 6 ♥ 2 ♦ K J 6 ♦ J 8 6 5 3 2 ♣ J 10 5 ♣ Q 7 5 4

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

Board 33Board 33 ♠ 10 5 Board 34Board 34 ♠ 10 8 5 3 2 North Deals ♥ 8 5 East Deals ♥ A K J 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 7 N-S Vul ♦ 7 4 ♣ A K 7 6 3 2 ♣ J 8 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 6 3 N A K J 8 A K 6 N J 7 4 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K 7 WE A Q 9 4 3 2 Q 8 7 6 5 WE 10 9 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A Q 8 5 2 S 4 3 A K S Q 10 9 ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ Q ♣ A 10 6 ♣ K 9 3 2 ♠ Q 7 4 2 ♠ Q 9 ♥ J 10 6 ♥ 2 ♦ K J 6 ♦ J 8 6 5 3 2 ♣ J 10 5 ♣ Q 7 5 4 Board 35Board 35 ♠ K 8 7 4 2 After two passes,Board 36Board 36 North opens♠ — 1♠, South raises to 2♠, and East has ♥ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♠ ♣ ♣ EW 5 ; EW 4 ; EW 3 ; EW 1N; Par −450 SouthEW 4 Deals; EW 3N;♥ EW 2A 9 6 ; W 3 ; E 2 ; to decide whetherWest Deals or not to♥ balance.K 8 6 4 We3 2 are too timid, but it could ♦ E-WEW 1 Vul ; Par −420♦ K 3 work. BestBoth play Vulby E/W will♦ leadQ 7 to 6 eight5 tricks in hearts, so going ♣ A 5 3 down one in 3♥ might be a♣ matchpointA 10 2 winner. It is unlikely that ♠ ♠ E/W will be doubled♠ in 3♥. ♠ Q J 3 N A 5 Q 9 6 4 3 N K J 10 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 4 3 2 WE Q 8 7 5 It looks normal 7for 5 North to takeWE eight tricksA J in9 spades. East leads ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 8 S J 10 9 7 the ♦J, duckedA to 10 North’s 4 king. NorthS leadsK 2 a heart to dummy’s ♣ K 10 9 6 ♣ Q 8 4 ♥K, then runs♣ the8 5 ♠3 10. West does not ♣cover,K 7 6in part because North ♠ 10 9 6 might be planning on putting♠ Aup 7 the 2 ♠K, but more likely because ♥ K J East might have started with♥ theQ 10 singleton ♠K. ♦ Q 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 Here, the ♠10 forces out the♣ ace,Q J so9 4declarer takes eight tricks by ruffing a heart in dummy, losing a total of two spades, one diamond,♠ and two♥ clubs. If E/W♦ don’t ♣shift to clubs in time, it ♠might be possible♥ to♦ dispose of a♦ club loser on dummy’sNS 2 ; ♦EW 2Q, after; NS 1N; ducking NS 1 the ;second EW 1 ;round, droppingEW 3 West’s; E 2N;doubleton NS 2 ♦;A. N 3 ; W 1N; S 2 ; Par +110 N 2♣; S 1♣; Par −140

Board 35Board 35 ♠ K 8 7 4 2 Board 36Board 36 ♠ — West and North pass, and East opens 1NT — not 1♠ with a balanced South Deals ♥ A 9 6 West Deals ♥ K 8 6 4 3 2 15-count. West transfers to spades, and whether East super-accepts E-W Vul ♦ K 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 7 6 5 or bids just 2♠, E/W rate to play in a spade partscore, taking nine tricks. (We could go either way on the question of whether to super- ♣ A 5 3 ♣ A 10 2 accept or not.) ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Q J 3 N A 5 Q 9 6 4 3 N K J 10 8 5 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 10 4 3 2 WE Q 8 7 5 7 5 WE A J 9 We would not consider doubling 2♥ with king-empty sixth of ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 8 S J 10 9 7 A 10 4 S K 2 hearts. A heart lead might be best, but a diamond or club lead is ♣ K 10 9 6 ♣ Q 8 4 ♣ 8 5 3 ♣ K 7 6 also very possible to be the winner. If E/W stop in 2♠, North can ♠ 10 9 6 ♠ A 7 2 always balance with 3♥, not that balancing is without danger. ♥ K J ♥ Q 10 ♦ Q 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 8 3 ♣ J 7 2 ♣ Q J 9 4

NS 2♠; EW 2♥; NS 1N; NS 1♦; EW 1♣; EW 3♠; E 2N; NS 2♥; N 3♦; W 1N; S 2♦; Par +110 N 2♣; S 1♣; Par −140