ACBL-wide Senior Pairs #2 Friday Afternoon – October 4, 2019 – Set 226034 Analysis by Barry Rigal Barry Rigal is a player, author, commentator and syndicated columnist. Born in London in 1958, he has been a professional bridge player since moving to New York in 1994. Rigal has written many books, as well as magazine and newspaper columns and has contributed to the world championship books for two decades. He has also served as the Chief Vugraph commentator for the World Bridge Federation for 10 years.

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 board 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 Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10awarded 8 6 4 him the title of “The laziest man Boardin Oxford.” 2Board 2 ♠ 7 4 North Deals ♥ A J 10 8 4 East Deals ♥ A 10 6 5 None Vul ♦ Q 5 3 N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 8 ♣ Q ♣ K 10 3 Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 6 4 East’s openingBoard call 2Board 2 will significantly♠ 7 4 impact how the auction ♠ 5 ♠ A J ♠ J 3 2 ♠ A Q 10 6 North Deals ♥ A JN 10 8 4 develops. If Easthe bids Deals 1♣, West may♥ Apreempt 10N 6 5 in hearts following ♥ K Q 9 7 5 3 2 ♥ — ♥ 8 2 ♥ J 9 4 None Vul ♦ WEQ 5 3 a 1♠ overcallN-S and Vul lose his side’s ♦diamondAWE K 9 8 fit. In that scenario, ♦ 8 7 4 2 ♦ K J 10 9 6 ♦ 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 10 ♣ Q S however, North might opt to try♣ toK defend10S 3 hearts rather than ♣ 8 ♣ K J 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 7 6 ♣ J 9 5 2 ♠ 5 ♠ A J play in spades. With♠ J such 3 2 freak distribution,♠ anyA Q prediction10 6 ♠ K QN 9 7 3 2 ♠ K 9N 8 5 ♥ K Q 9 7 5 3 2 ♥ — may end up looking♥ 8foolish, 2 but technically♥ N/SJ 9 4should make ♥ WE6 ♥WEK Q 7 3 ♦ 8 7 4 2 ♦ K J 10 9 6 game in spades comfortably♦ 6 5 4 2 enough. They♦ canJ 10 only be held to ♦ A S ♦ Q S7 3 ♣ 8 ♣ K J 6 4 3 2 10 tricks by the defenders♣ A Q 7 6taking a heart ruff.♣ J 9E/W 5 2 might well ♣ A 10 9 7 5 find a save in 5♦ profitable — although♣ 8 4 a trump lead nets the ♠ K Q 9 7 3 2 ♠ K 9 8 5 defenders 500. ♥ 6 ♥ K Q 7 3 N 5♠; S 4♠; NS 3N; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; Par +450 NS 5♥; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 2♠; Par +650 ♦ A ♦ Q 7 3 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ 8 4

N 5♠; S 4♠; NS 3N; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; Par +450 NS 5♥; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 2♠; Par +650 Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 6 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ 7 4 Will North upgrade his hand to a strong notrump (unsound North Deals ♥ A J 10 8 4 East Deals ♥ A 10 6 5 because it potentially wrong-sides the contract, and if partner None Vul ♦ Q 5 3 N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 8 has five or more spades, you’d surely rather stay low on any ♣ Q ♣ K 10 3 marginal hand)? That decision will materially affect the final ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ contract here. If North shows 12–14 and four hearts, South will 5 N A J J 3 2 N A Q 10 6 ♥ K Q 9 7 5 3 2 ♥ — ♥ 8 2 ♥ J 9 4 doubtless settle in 2♥ without trying for game. But if North WE WE ♥ ♦ 8 7 4 2 ♦ K J 10 9 6 ♦ 6 5 4 2 ♦ J 10 upgrades, then he will declare 4 after a Stayman sequence. S S Both black aces are onside, both red suits behave, and 11 tricks ♣ 8 ♣ K J 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 7 6 ♣ J 9 5 2 materialize as if by clockwork. ♠ K Q 9 7 3 2 ♠ K 9 8 5 ♥ 6 ♥ K Q 7 3 ♦ A ♦ Q 7 3 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ 8 4

N 5♠; S 4♠; NS 3N; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; Par +450 NS 5♥; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 2♠; Par +650 Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 9 7 West has justBoard enough 4Board 4 for a vulnerable♠ A 2 overcall of 2♥ over 1♠, South Deals ♥ 10 5 4 but some NorthsWest will Deals raise to 2♠,♥ othersQ 9 6 may5 discreetly pass. E-W Vul ♦ K 9 7 5 3 Either way, EastBoth can Vul bounce to 4♦♥;A but J 2 will South then opt ♣ to defend facing a silent partner?♣ Probably, but of course, if Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q10 99 7 Board 4Board 4 ♠ AJ 62 5 4 ♠ ♠ his partner has raised♠ spades, South is going♠ to bid on to 4♠, South Deals6 4 ♥ 10 N5 4 A J West DealsQ 7 5 3 ♥ Q 9N 6 5 10 9 8 6 ♥ ♥ probably doubled. ♥A trump lead against 4♠♥ may force South E-W VulA Q 9 7 3 2 ♦ WEK 9 7 5 3 K 8 6 Both VulJ 10 4 3 2 ♦ AWE J 2 K 7 ♦ ♦ to guess clubs to escape♦ for down one. Meanwhile,♦ 4♥ is a Q 6 ♣ 10 S9 10 8 4 2 3 ♣ J 6S 5 4 Q 8 5 ♣ ♣ poor contract, but ♣with the ♦J doubleton onside♣ and the ♣10 9 ♠ 6A 46 3 ♠ AQ JJ 8 5 ♠ QK 87 57 3 ♠ 10A Q9 810 6 3 ♠ N falling, declarer can come home with♠ Na not-unfortunate +620. ♥ A Q 9 7 3 2 K 10 8 5 3♥ 2K 8 6 ♥ J 10 4 3 2 K J 4 ♥ K 7 ♥ WE ♥WE ♦ Q 6 J ♦ 10 8 4 2 ♦ 3 A 8 ♦ Q 8 5 ♦ S ♦ S ♣ A 6 3 A J ♣ Q J 8 5 ♣ K 8 7 K 10 9 7 ♣6 4A Q 10 3 ♣ ♣ ♠ K 107 4 8 2 5 3 2 ♠ K9 J2 4 ♥ J ♥ A 8 ♥ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♦ ♠ ♥ ♣ EW 4N; EW 4♦; ANS 3 J ; EW 2 ; EW 2 ; NS 3N; NS 4 ;♦ EW 2K 10 9; 7EW 1 6 4 ; NS 1 ; ♠ ♠ Par −300: NS 5♣ K×−2 7 4 2 Par +500: EW 4♣ 9×−2 2

EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; NS 3N; NS 4♦; EW 2♠; EW 1♥; NS 1♣; Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 9 7 BoardPar −300: 4Board 4 NS 5♠♠A×−2 2 Par +500: EW 4♠×−2 South Deals ♥ 10 5 4 West Deals ♥ Q 9 6 5 E-W Vul ♦ K 9 7 5 3 Both Vul ♦ A J 2 ♣ 10 9 ♣ J 6 5 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 6 4 N A J Q 7 5 3 N 10 9 8 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A Q 9 7 3 2 WE K 8 6 J 10 4 3 2 WE K 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 6 S 10 8 4 2 3 S Q 8 5 ♣ A 6 3 ♣ Q J 8 5 ♣ K 8 7 ♣ A Q 10 3 ♠ K 10 8 5 3 2 ♠ K J 4 ♥ J ♥ A 8 ♦ A J ♦ K 10 9 7 6 4 ♣ K 7 4 2 ♣ 9 2

EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; NS 3N; NS 4♦; EW 2♠; EW 1♥; NS 1♣; Par −300: NS 5♠×−2 Par +500: EW 4♠×−2 Board 1Board 1 ♠ 10 8 6 4 Board 2Board 2 ♠ 7 4 North Deals ♥ A J 10 8 4 East Deals ♥ A 10 6 5 None Vul ♦ Q 5 3 N-S Vul ♦ A K 9 8 ♣ Q ♣ K 10 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 5 N A J J 3 2 N A Q 10 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 9 7 5 3 2 WE — 8 2 WE J 9 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 8 7 4 2 S K J 10 9 6 6 5 4 2 S J 10 ♣ 8 ♣ K J 6 4 3 2 ♣ A Q 7 6 ♣ J 9 5 2 ♠ K Q 9 7 3 2 ♠ K 9 8 5 ♥ 6 ♥ K Q 7 3 ♦ A ♦ Q 7 3 ♣ A 10 9 7 5 ♣ 8 4

N 5♠; S 4♠; NS 3N; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; Par +450 NS 5♥; NS 3N; NS 4♦; NS 2♠; Par +650

Board 3Board 3 ♠ Q 9 7 Board 4Board 4 ♠ A 2 At many tables N/S will bid unopposed to 3NT by North, since South Deals ♥ 10 5 4 West Deals ♥ Q 9 6 5 South can hardly stop short of game facing an opener. Some E-W Vul ♦ K 9 7 5 3 Both Vul ♦ A J 2 Wests will intervene as a passed hand to show the majors – or ♣ 10 9 ♣ J 6 5 4 even just hearts — but that should not affect the outcome. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ Whatever the lead, the fate of 3NT seems to hinge on whether 6 4 N A J Q 7 5 3 N 10 9 8 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ declarer can find the ♦Q. The percentages favor the drop over A Q 9 7 3 2 WE K 8 6 J 10 4 3 2 WE K 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ the finesse, but if West has overcalled, maybe the additional Q 6 S 10 8 4 2 3 S Q 8 5 ♣ A 6 3 ♣ Q J 8 5 ♣ K 8 7 ♣ A Q 10 3 shape he has promised might persuade a thoughtful declarer to ♠ K 10 8 5 3 2 ♠ K J 4 find the winning maneuver, and be suitably rewarded. ♥ J ♥ A 8 ♦ A J ♦ K 10 9 7 6 4 ♣ K 7 4 2 Board 5Board 5 ♣♠ 9A 2 K 10 Board 6Board 6 ♠ Q 10 8 6 5 North Deals ♥ 9 2 East Deals ♥ J 5 3 EW 4N; EW 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 2♦; EW 2♣; N-S VulNS 3N; NS 4♦; ♦EW 28 7 ♠4; EW 1♥; NS 1♣; E-W Vul ♦ Q 8 ♣ K Q J 8 5 ♣ 9 4 3 Par −300: NS 5♠×−2 BoardPar +500: 5Board 5 EW 4♠♠A×−2 K 10 When North opensBoard 6Board 61♣, South can♠ produceQ 10 8 6 either5 an inverted ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ North Deals9 7 5 3 ♥ 9 2N Q 4 2 raise or a splinterEast Dealsjump3 to 3♥, showing♥ J 5 N3 game-goingA K J values and ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ N-S Vul A K J 7 5 4 ♦ WE8 7 4 Q 8 6 3 short hearts. E-WWhatever Vul A 10he 9chooses, 6 4 ♦ QWE West 8 will surelyQ 8 introduce his ♦ 6 ♦ K 9 5 3 2 ♦ K 5 3 ♦ A 10 9 7 6 2 ♣ K QS J 8 5 hearts and North is unlikely to do♣ more9 4S 3 than opt to play 5♣, as ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♠ 910 7 2 5 3 ♠ Q4 4 2 he has no real extras.♠ 3 KSlam Q J is7 no better than♠ theA8 K 5diamond J finesse, ♠ N ♠ N ♥ A K J 7 5 4 J 8 6 ♥ Q 8 6 3 but it comes home♥ today.A 10 9However, 6 4 9 that 7 4 isn’t2 ♥ theQ 8 end of the story. ♥ WE ♥WE ♦ 6 10 ♦ K 9 5 3 2 Curiously, the cards♦ lieK 5remarkably 3 wellK 7 2for both♦ A 10 sides, 9 7 6 and 2 at this ♦ S ♦ S ♣ 10 2 A Q J 10♣ 4 vulnerability E/W can♣ K save Q J 7against Jthe 4 slam♣ for8 5less than the cost ♣ of the N/S game. I doubt if many♣ will, though. ♠ JA 8 9 6 7 6 3 ♠ 9A 7 10 4 62 2 ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 2 ♣ ♥ ♠ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♥ ♣ ♠ NS 6 ; EW 3 ♦; N 2A Q ;J NS 3 10 ; NS 1N; S 1 ; EW 6N; EW 6♦; JEW 5 4 ; EW 5 ; EW 3 ; ♥ Par +500: EW 6♣ A×−3 9 7 6 3 Par −1440 ♣ A 10 6 2

NS 6♣; EW 3♥; N 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 1N; S 1♠; EW 6N; EW 6♦; EW 5♥; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; Board 5Board 5 ♠ A K 10 BoardPar +500: 6Board 6 EW 6♠ ♥Q×−3 10 8 6 5 Back-to-back slams,Par −1440 but this one is clearly against the odds North Deals ♥ 9 2 East Deals ♥ J 5 3 for E/W. It needs a nice lie of the diamonds and an extra N-S Vul ♦ 8 7 4 E-W Vul ♦ Q 8 trick from the black suits, as well as a favorable lie in hearts, ♣ K Q J 8 5 ♣ 9 4 3 if N/S lead that suit. Few will find slam, though, because of ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ the irresistible lure of 3NT, on a combined 27 HCP with all the 9 7 5 3 N Q 4 2 3 N A K J ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ side-suits stopped. Minor suits tend to go to the wall in such A K J 7 5 4 WE Q 8 6 3 A 10 9 6 4 WE Q 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ circumstances, though West may be worried that his singleton 6 S K 9 5 3 2 K 5 3 S A 10 9 7 6 2 ♣ 10 2 ♣ 4 ♣ K Q J 7 ♣ 8 5 spade will make notrump unplayable. 3NT has only 11 top ♠ J 8 6 ♠ 9 7 4 2 winners, but diamonds break and the ♣A and ♠Q are onside, so all routes appear to result in +690. ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 2 ♦ A Q J 10 ♦ J 4 ♣ A 9 7 6 3 ♣ A 10 6 2

NS 6♣; EW 3♥; N 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 1N; S 1♠; EW 6N; EW 6♦; EW 5♥; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; Par +500: EW 6♥×−3 BoardPar −1440 7Board 7 ♠ J 7 6 When South opensBoard 18Board 8♦, West has ♠a numberK Q 10 4 of viable approaches. South Deals ♥ K 9 3 He can simplyWest bid spades,Deals then (if♥ necessary)5 2 hearts, or he can Both Vul ♦ J 4 show both majorsNone at Vul once, each of♦ these10 9 8 options7 looking better ♣ than doubling. North has enough♣ values to want to join in, while Board 7Board 7 ♠ JK 7Q 6 9 8 2 Board 8Board 8 ♠ KK QJ 610 4 ♠ ♠ East will be happy not♠ to contribute unless forced♠ to do so. With South DealsA K Q 8 3 2♥ K 9N 3 10 5 West Deals9 8 5 ♥ 5 2N J 7 3 ♥ A J 10 7 4 ♦ ♥ 8 5 2 both major suits behaving♥ K 6 3 perfectly♦ from West’s♥ Q J perspective, 9 8 4 Both Vul WEJ 4 he can use theNone club Vul entry to take a 10WEheart 9 8 7finesse and come to ♦ 10 ♣ ♦ 8 7 6 5 ♦ A J 6 4 2 ♣ ♦ K 5 K QS 9 8 2 11 tricks in either major. The club ruffK J S 6means N/S can be held to ♠♣ 3 ♠♣ A 10 7 4 ♠♣ 9 2 ♠♣ Q 5 3 A K Q 8 3 2 N 10 5 eight tricks in diamonds,9 8 5but N/S are Nmore likelyJ 7 3to collect 650 ♥ ♠ 9 4 ♥ ♥ ♠ A 6 2 ♥ A J 10 7 4 WE 8 5 2 than 800. K 6 3 WE Q J 9 8 4 ♦ ♥ Q 6 ♦ ♦ ♥ A 10 7 ♦ 10 S 8 7 6 5 A J 6 4 2 S K 5 ♣ 3 ♦ A K Q 9 ♣3 2A 10 7 4 ♣ 9 2 ♦ Q 3 ♣ Q 5 3 ♠♣ 9J 46 5 ♠♣ AA 610 2 8 7 4 ♥ Q 6 ♥ A 10 7 EW 5♠; EW 5♥♦; EW 1N;A K Q 9 NS 2 3 2 ♦; NS 2♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠♦; NS 4Q 3 ♣; NS 1♦; Par +430 Par −650 ♣ J 6 5 ♣ A 10 8 7 4

EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♣; NS 1♦; Par +430 Board 7Board 7 ♠ J 7 6 BoardPar −650 8Board 8 ♠ K Q 10 4 South Deals ♥ K 9 3 West Deals ♥ 5 2 Both Vul ♦ J 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 8 7 ♣ K Q 9 8 2 ♣ K J 6 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A K Q 8 3 2 N 10 5 9 8 5 N J 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A J 10 7 4 WE 8 5 2 K 6 3 WE Q J 9 8 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 S 8 7 6 5 A J 6 4 2 S K 5 ♣ 3 ♣ A 10 7 4 ♣ 9 2 ♣ Q 5 3 ♠ 9 4 ♠ A 6 2 ♥ Q 6 ♥ A 10 7 ♦ A K Q 9 3 2 ♦ Q 3 ♣ J 6 5 ♣ A 10 8 7 4

EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; NS 4N; NS 4♠; NS 4♣; NS 1♦; Par +430 Par −650 Board 5Board 5 ♠ A K 10 Board 6Board 6 ♠ Q 10 8 6 5 North Deals ♥ 9 2 East Deals ♥ J 5 3 N-S Vul ♦ 8 7 4 E-W Vul ♦ Q 8 ♣ K Q J 8 5 ♣ 9 4 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 9 7 5 3 N Q 4 2 3 N A K J ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K J 7 5 4 WE Q 8 6 3 A 10 9 6 4 WE Q 8 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 6 S K 9 5 3 2 K 5 3 S A 10 9 7 6 2 ♣ 10 2 ♣ 4 ♣ K Q J 7 ♣ 8 5 ♠ J 8 6 ♠ 9 7 4 2 ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 2 ♦ A Q J 10 ♦ J 4 ♣ A 9 7 6 3 ♣ A 10 6 2

NS 6♣; EW 3♥; N 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 1N; S 1♠; EW 6N; EW 6♦; EW 5♥; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; Par +500: EW 6♥×−3 Par −1440

Board 7Board 7 ♠ J 7 6 Board 8Board 8 ♠ K Q 10 4 While stick-in-the-muds will pass in third seat here, some Easts South Deals ♥ K 9 3 West Deals ♥ 5 2 will open 1♥ or 2♥. Either call might silence N/S, though with Both Vul ♦ J 4 None Vul ♦ 10 9 8 7 the sight of all 52 cards N/S take 10 tricks in notrump. The catch ♣ K Q 9 8 2 ♣ K J 6 is that if declarer doesn’t find the ♣Q, the defenders have eight ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ winners — four hearts, three diamonds and a club. This feels A K Q 8 3 2 N 10 5 9 8 5 N J 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ more like a partscore deal, with N/S declaring a black suit for A J 10 7 4 WE 8 5 2 K 6 3 WE Q J 9 8 4 ♦ 10 ♦ 8 7 6 5 ♦ A J 6 4 2 ♦ K 5 nine or 10 tricks or defeating a low-level heart contract. Equally, S S one could imagine South stretching to open or overcall a strong ♣ 3 ♣ A 10 7 4 ♣ 9 2 ♣ Q 5 3 notrump and bringing in clubs for 630. ♠ 9 4 ♠ A 6 2 ♥ Q 6 ♥ A 10 7 ♦ A K Q 9 3 2 ♦ Q 3 ♣ J 6 5 Board 9Board 9 ♠♣ AA 1010 78 67 54 4 Board 10Board 10 ♠ Q 10 7 North Deals ♥ 2 East Deals ♥ 9 5 2 EW 5♠; EW 5♥; EW 1N; NS 2♦; NS 2♣; E-W VulNS 4N; NS 4♠♦; NS 4K 5 ♣4 ;3 NS 1♦; Par +430 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 5 Par −650 Board 9Board 9 ♠♣ AJ 510 7 6 5 4 Most NorthsBoard will open 10Board 10 2♠, and♠ ♣whenQQ 10J 10 East7 4 overcalls 3♥, West ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ North DealsK Q 9 3 2 ♥ 2 N J should bid 3NTEast ratherDeals8 6 than 5 raise♥ 9hearts. 5N 2 EastK hasJ 2 to choose ♥ ♦ ♥ ♥ ♦ ♥ E-W Vul9 7 WEK 5 4 3 A Q 8 6 5 4 now betweenBoth bidding VulA J 4 4♦, 4♥ orQWE passing, 10 5 andK 10 must 8 7 guess well ♦ ♣ J 5 ♦ if he is to go plus.♦ 4♥ has three♣ trumpsQ J 10 4and♦ two aces to lose, Q J 8 S A 10 9 7 9 6 S J 8 7 2 ♠ ♠ while diamonds may♠ be uglier still. 3NT is♠ clearly best; it goes ♣ QK Q7 49 3 2 N ♣ JK 6 ♣ 8K 66 55 3 2 N ♣ K9 J7 2 ♥ ♠ ♥ down on a diamond♥ lead, but on♠ a low spade♥ lead West ought 9 7 WE8 A Q 8 6 5 4 A J 4 WEA 9 4 3 K 10 8 7 ♦ ♥ ♦ to overtake the ♠♦J to run the diamonds♥ via♦ the finesse. He may Q J 8 K JS 10 3 A 10 9 7 9 6 Q S6 3 J 8 7 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♦ 6 2 ♣ K 6 then work out to ♣exitK 6with 5 3 2a low♦ heartA K 4 from 3 ♣ 9dummy 7 to endplay ♠♣ 8A 10 9 8 3 2 South, who will then be forced♠ ♣toAA concede 98 4 3 the ninth trick. ♥ K J 10 3 ♥ Q 6 3 EW 2N; EW 2♠♦; EW 26 2 ♥; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 2♠; NS 1N; ♦NS 1A K♦ ;4 NS 1 3 ♣; Par +110 Par −120 ♣ A 10 9 8 3 2 ♣ A 8

EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 2♠; NS 1N; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +110 Board 9Board 9 ♠ A 10 7 6 5 4 BoardPar −120 10Board 10 ♠ Q 10 7 Even the most aggressive bidders can be discouraged when North Deals ♥ 2 East Deals ♥ 9 5 2 both sides are vulnerable. So here a strong notrump from South E-W Vul ♦ K 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 5 figures to get passed out against any but the wildest of Easts. ♣ J 5 ♣ Q J 10 4 Passing would be wise today, as E/W can make nothing at all. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ If South declares 1NT on a low club lead, it feels right to win the K Q 9 3 2 N J 8 6 5 N K J 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♣Q and advance the ♠Q, which today will ensure he takes at 9 7 WE A Q 8 6 5 4 A J 4 WE K 10 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ least eight tricks. On winning the ♠J, it looks logical for East to Q J 8 S A 10 9 7 9 6 S J 8 7 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 5 3 2 ♣ 9 7 shift to hearts; if so, the ♥10 might be the right card. One way or ♠ 8 ♠ A 9 4 3 another, +120 for South looks the expected outcome. ♥ K J 10 3 ♥ Q 6 3 ♦ 6 2 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ A 10 9 8 3 2 ♣ A 8

EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 2♠; NS 1N; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +110 Par −120 Board 11Board 11 ♠ 5 3 2 When West opensBoard 12Board 121♠, some Norths♠ A 6will 5 seize the opportunity South Deals ♥ A Q J 9 for an off-shapeWest Dealsdouble. The vulnerability♥ 10 8 4 argues for action, I None Vul ♦ 8 7 admit, but I hateN-S Vul North’s pattern♦ inK spades6 2 and diamonds. If Board 11Board 11 ♠♣ 5K 3Q 2 6 3 North passes,Board then 12Board 12 E/W rate to ♠♣bidAQ to610 5 48♠ 4, where they can score South♠ Deals ♥ A Q J 9 ♠ 450 in peaceWest and Deals♠quiet after a top♥ 10 club 8 4 lead.♠ Technically, you A Q J 9 8 7 N 10 6 J 10 4 3 N 9 8 2 None ♥Vul ♦ 8 7 ♥ could make N-S6♦, Vulsince♥ both spades♦ K and6 2 diamonds♥ behave in 2 WE K 8 7 5 3 A K Q 9 5 2 WE J 7 ♦ K Q 9 3 ♣ K Q 6 3 ♦ A 6 5 2 extremely friendly♦ fashion,4 but few♣ Q will10 8 contemplate 4 ♦ A J 10 8 trying7 5 for ♠ S ♠ that. However, might♠ any E/W pair tryS to collect♠ a number on ♣ JA 8Q J 9 8 7 N ♣ 10A 76 ♣ JA 10 6 4 3 N ♣ 9J 85 2 ♥ ♥ defense? That seems♥ unlikely, given N/S’s ♥nine-card fit. 2 ♠ WEK 4 K 8 7 5 3 A K Q 9 5 2 ♠WEK Q 7 J 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K Q 9 3 ♥ 10 S6 4 A 6 5 2 4 ♥ 6 3S A J 10 8 7 5 ♣ J 8 ♦ J 10 4 ♣ A 7 ♣ A 6 ♦ Q 9 3 ♣ J 5 ♠♣ K10 4 9 5 4 2 ♠♣ KK Q9 7 3 2 ♥ 10 6 4 ♥ 6 3 EW 6♦; EW 5N;♦ EW 5J 10 4♠; EW 2♥; Par −920 EW 3♥; EW 2N;♦ QEW 2 9 3♠; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; ♣ 10 9 5 4 2 Par −140 ♣ K 9 7 3 2

EW 6♦; EW 5N; EW 5♠; EW 2♥; Par −920 EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♠; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par −140 Board 11Board 11 ♠ 5 3 2 Board 12Board 12 ♠ A 6 5 South Deals ♥ A Q J 9 West Deals ♥ 10 8 4 None Vul ♦ 8 7 N-S Vul ♦ K 6 2 ♣ K Q 6 3 ♣ Q 10 8 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A Q J 9 8 7 N 10 6 J 10 4 3 N 9 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 2 WE K 8 7 5 3 A K Q 9 5 2 WE J 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K Q 9 3 S A 6 5 2 4 S A J 10 8 7 5 ♣ J 8 ♣ A 7 ♣ A 6 ♣ J 5 ♠ K 4 ♠ K Q 7 ♥ 10 6 4 ♥ 6 3 ♦ J 10 4 ♦ Q 9 3 ♣ 10 9 5 4 2 ♣ K 9 7 3 2

EW 6♦; EW 5N; EW 5♠; EW 2♥; Par −920 EW 3♥; EW 2N; EW 2♠; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; Par −140 Board 9Board 9 ♠ A 10 7 6 5 4 Board 10Board 10 ♠ Q 10 7 North Deals ♥ 2 East Deals ♥ 9 5 2 E-W Vul ♦ K 5 4 3 Both Vul ♦ Q 10 5 ♣ J 5 ♣ Q J 10 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K Q 9 3 2 N J 8 6 5 N K J 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 9 7 WE A Q 8 6 5 4 A J 4 WE K 10 8 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q J 8 S A 10 9 7 9 6 S J 8 7 2 ♣ Q 7 4 ♣ K 6 ♣ K 6 5 3 2 ♣ 9 7 ♠ 8 ♠ A 9 4 3 ♥ K J 10 3 ♥ Q 6 3 ♦ 6 2 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ A 10 9 8 3 2 ♣ A 8

EW 2N; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; EW 2♦; NS 1♣; NS 2♠; NS 1N; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Par +110 Par −120

Board 11Board 11 ♠ 5 3 2 Board 12Board 12 ♠ A 6 5 No sequence gets West’s values across perfectly, but opening South Deals ♥ A Q J 9 West Deals ♥ 10 8 4 1♥ and jumping to 3♥ over a 1NT response looks best. East None Vul ♦ 8 7 N-S Vul ♦ K 6 2 must surely pass 3♥, with no extras in the way of fit or high ♣ K Q 6 3 ♣ Q 10 8 4 cards. Whatever North leads, West will simply lose the obvious ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ four tricks, as his spades are good enough to ensure a ninth A Q J 9 8 7 N 10 6 J 10 4 3 N 9 8 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ trick from that suit in straightforward fashion. It seems likely 2 WE K 8 7 5 3 A K Q 9 5 2 WE J 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ that some pairs will misjudge strain or level, meaning that +140 K Q 9 3 S A 6 5 2 4 S A J 10 8 7 5 ♣ J 8 ♣ A 7 ♣ A 6 ♣ J 5 is likely to score West fairly well. And yes, a few Souths may let ♠ K 4 ♠ K Q 7 through 3NT by East, by never playing on clubs. ♥ 10 6 4 ♥ 6 3 ♦ J 10 4 ♦ Q 9 3 ♣ 10 9 5 4 2 Board 13Board 13 ♣♠ KJ 109 7 8 3 7 2 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ K Q 6 4 North Deals ♥ 6 2 East Deals ♥ A J 6 4 3 EW 6♦; EW 5N; EW 5♠; EW 2♥; Par −920 Both VulEW 3♥; EW 2N;♦ EW 27 6 4♠; NS 2♣; EW 1♦; None Vul ♦ K BoardP 13Board 13ar −140 ♣♠ 7J 510 4 8 7 5 With 29 HCPBoard between 14Board 14 them and♣♠ noJK 10 obviousQ 46 4 fit, E/W are likely to ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ North DealsA Q 3 2 ♥ 6 2N K stop at a safeEast level, Deals inA notrump10 9 . But♥ A ifNJ West6 4 3 shows5 2 game-going ♥ ♦ ♥ ♥ ♦ ♥ Both Vul8 7 WE7 6 4 K Q 10 9 5 values, he mayNone over-excite VulQ 8 5 East. SinceWEK they areK 9 missing 7 two aces ♦ ♣ ♦ and have only nine♦ top tricks, the♣ question♦ is if anyone will reach K 8 3 7 5S 4 Q J 9 5 A J 10 3 J 10S 4 8 6 2 ♣♠ ♣♠ 4NT or 5NT and have♣♠ to guess the play accurately♣♠ to make KA 10Q 36 23 N AK Q 8 KA 510 2 9 N A5 92 7 6 3 ♥ ♠ ♥ their contract. With♥ both minor ♠suits breaking,♥ it looks easier to 8 7 WE9 6 4 K Q 10 9 5 Q 8 5 JWE 8 7 3 K 9 7 ♦ ♥ A J 4 3 ♦ collect +660 than ♦+630. Nonetheless,♥ 10 2 you can♦ certainly imagine K 8 3 S Q J 9 5 A J 10 3 S 8 6 2 ♣ K 10 6 3 ♦ A 10 2 ♣ A Q 8 that at some tables♣ declarerK 5 2 will♦ putQ 9 his 7 5faith 4♣ Ain 9a 7finesse 6 3 for the ♥J and end up with just 10 tricks. ♣♠ J9 96 24 ♣♠ QJ 8 7 3 ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ 10 2 EW 5N; EW 4♥♦; EW 5A 10 2♦; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 2♠; EW 3♣;♦ EW 1N;Q 9 7 EW 15 4 ♦; Par −100: Par −660 ♣ J 9 2 NS 3♠×−1 ♣ Q 8

EW 5N; EW 4♥; EW 5♦; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 1N; EW 1♦; Par −100: Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 10 8 7 5 BoardPar −660 14Board 14 ♠ K Q 6 4 Most Wests will openNS 3 1♦♠ ×−1in third seat, not 1NT, and North will North Deals ♥ 6 2 East Deals ♥ A J 6 4 3 overcall 1♥. If East responds 1NT, then maybe North can bravely Both Vul ♦ 7 6 4 None Vul ♦ K balance with a double and get his side to spades. It looks simpler ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ J 10 4 for N/S to find their black-suit fit than for E/W to locate clubs, ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A Q 3 2 N K A 10 9 N 5 2 where predicting a result is hard. The lead of the♥10 against ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 7 WE K Q 10 9 5 Q 8 5 WE K 9 7 3♣ makes declarer’s life easy; otherwise, the play is quite ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ challenging. The 3–3 heart break likewise facilitates declarer’s K 8 3 S Q J 9 5 A J 10 3 S 8 6 2 ♣ K 10 6 3 ♣ A Q 8 ♣ K 5 2 ♣ A 9 7 6 3 task in 2♠. Yet again, winning the contract when nobody is ♠ 9 6 4 ♠ J 8 7 3 vulnerable proves to be a sound policy. ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ 10 2 ♦ A 10 2 ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 ♣ J 9 2 ♣ Q 8

EW 5N; EW 4♥; EW 5♦; EW 5♣; EW 3♠; NS 2♠; EW 3♣; EW 1N; EW 1♦; Par −100: Par −660 NS 3♠×−1 Board 15Board 15 ♠ Q 10 8 6 3 When WestBoard overcalls 16Board 16 1♥ over 1♠♦10, most 9 5 Norths will be able to South Deals ♥ A 5 2 bid spadesWest to promise Deals five. Now♥ A you’dK J 6 expect a competitive N-S Vul ♦ 10 9 4 battle in theE-W majors, Vul with each♦ sideQ J prepared7 6 to go to the three Board 15Board 15 ♣♠ 9Q 610 8 6 3 level. But willBoard anyone 16Board 16 risk going♣♠ higher?A10 9 9 5 E/W have the balance ♠ ♠ of high cards and♠ a little extra shape. 4♥♠ is a perfectly playable South DealsA 9 7 ♥ A 5N 2 4 West DealsK 8 7 4 ♥ A NK J 6 A Q J 6 2 ♥ K Q 9 6 4 ♦ ♥ 8 7 3 contract — needing♥ 9 the3 club or♦ heart finesse♥ 8 4 plus a little racing N-S Vul WE10 9 4 luck — and E-Wit duly Vul makes. Meanwhile,WEQ J 7 N/S 6 have a painless nine ♦ K 5 ♣ ♦ Q 6 2 ♦ 9 5 ♣ ♦ 10 8 2 9 6S tricks in spades, so my predictionA is S9 that (again) whoever ♣♠ J 8 7 ♣♠ A Q 10 5 4 3 ♣♠ 10 8 6 5 2 ♣♠K J 3 A 9 7 N 4 declares the hand isK favorite8 7 4 to scoreN respectably.A Q J 6 2 ♥ ♠ K J 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♠ 3 ♥ K Q 9 6 4 WE 8 7 3 9 3 WE 8 4 ♦ ♥ J 10 ♦ ♦ ♥ Q 10 7 5 2♦ K 5 S Q 6 2 9 5 S 10 8 2 ♣ J 8 7 ♦ A J 8 7 3♣ A Q 10 5 4 3 ♣ 10 8 6 5 2 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ K J 3 ♣♠ K 2J 5 2 ♣♠ Q3 7 4 ♥ J 10 ♥ Q 10 7 5 2 EW 4♥; NS 3♠♦; EW 4A J 8♣ 7; NS 23 ♦; Par −200: N 6♦; NS 5♥; S 5♦ ♦A; KNS 2N; 4 3 EW 1♠; N 1♣; NS 4♠×−1 ♣ K 2 Par +920 ♣ Q 7 4

EW 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 4♣; NS 2♦; Par −200: N 6♦; NS 5♥; S 5♦; NS 2N; EW 1♠; N 1♣; Board 15 ♠ Q 10 8 6 3 Board 16 ♠ 10 9 5 Board 15Board 15 Board 16Board 16 ♠ South Deals ♥ A 5 2 West DealsNS 4 ×−1 ♥ A K J 6 Par +920 N-S Vul ♦ 10 9 4 E-W Vul ♦ Q J 7 6 ♣ 9 6 ♣ A 9 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 9 7 N 4 K 8 7 4 N A Q J 6 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 9 6 4 WE 8 7 3 9 3 WE 8 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 5 S Q 6 2 9 5 S 10 8 2 ♣ J 8 7 ♣ A Q 10 5 4 3 ♣ 10 8 6 5 2 ♣ K J 3 ♠ K J 5 2 ♠ 3 ♥ J 10 ♥ Q 10 7 5 2 ♦ A J 8 7 3 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ K 2 ♣ Q 7 4

EW 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 4♣; NS 2♦; Par −200: N 6♦; NS 5♥; S 5♦; NS 2N; EW 1♠; N 1♣; NS 4♠×−1 Par +920 Board 13Board 13 ♠ J 10 8 7 5 Board 14Board 14 ♠ K Q 6 4 North Deals ♥ 6 2 East Deals ♥ A J 6 4 3 Both Vul ♦ 7 6 4 None Vul ♦ K ♣ 7 5 4 ♣ J 10 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A Q 3 2 N K A 10 9 N 5 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 7 WE K Q 10 9 5 Q 8 5 WE K 9 7 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K 8 3 S Q J 9 5 A J 10 3 S 8 6 2 ♣ K 10 6 3 ♣ A Q 8 ♣ K 5 2 ♣ A 9 7 6 3 ♠ 9 6 4 ♠ J 8 7 3 ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ 10 2 ♦ A 10 2 ♦ Q 9 7 5 4 ♣ J 9 2 ♣ Q 8

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

Board 15Board 15 ♠ Q 10 8 6 3 Board 16Board 16 ♠ 10 9 5 You may see this deal one day in Bridge World’s “Challenge South Deals ♥ A 5 2 West Deals ♥ A K J 6 the Champs.” It looks tough to diagnose that playing the N-S Vul ♦ 10 9 4 E-W Vul ♦ Q J 7 6 4–4 diamond fit is worth an extra trick over the 5–4 heart fit. ♣ 9 6 ♣ A 9 Admittedly, North has to be declarer in 6♦ to protect the ♣Q. ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ If so, he can take five heart tricks, a club and six trump tricks via A 9 7 N 4 K 8 7 4 N A Q J 6 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ two spade ruffs in South. On a heart lead, one might also need K Q 9 6 4 WE 8 7 3 9 3 WE 8 4 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ some luck in the red suits. So slam is not cold, even if it meets K 5 S Q 6 2 9 5 S 10 8 2 ♣ J 8 7 ♣ A Q 10 5 4 3 ♣ 10 8 6 5 2 ♣ K J 3 Hamman’s Rule — slam cannot be bad if it makes. Collecting ♠ K J 5 2 ♠ 3 +450 in 4♥ seems likely to be worth close to an average. ♥ J 10 ♥ Q 10 7 5 2 ♦ A J 8 7 3 ♦ A K 4 3 ♣ ♣ K 2 Board 17Board 17 ♠ QJ 77 4 Board 18Board 18 ♠ 8 North Deals ♥ 9 8 3 East Deals ♥ A J 9 5 ♥ ♠ ♣ ♦ ♦ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♣ EW 4 ; NS 3 ; EW 4 ; NS 2 ; Par −200: None N 6Vul ; NS 5 ; S 5♦ K ;Q NS 2N; 7 4 EW 1 ; N 1 ; N-S Vul ♦ K Q J 7 ♠ NS 4 ×−1 BoardPar +920 17Board 17 ♣♠ 9J 76 5 4 Nonvulnerable,Board East 18Board 18 is just worth♣♠ aA8 1K♥ 8 opener, 2 due to his ♠ ♥ ♠ concentrated values♠ in the long ♥suits and comfortable♠ rebid. North DealsA 8 3 9 8N 3 6 2 East DealsA Q 7 6 4 A NJ 9 5 10 9 5 3 2 None Vul♥ ♦ K Q 7 4 ♥ Roth-StonersN-S will Vul ♥have to back in♦ afterK Q JSouth 7 ♥ opens 1♠ and 4 2 WE A K 10 6 5 8 7 4 WE Q 3 ♦ 10 9 3 2 ♣ 9 6 5 4 ♦ J 6 North responds 1NT.♦ 10 Even 5 4 so, South♣ A mightK 8 2 ♦ still8 2 buy the hand in ♠ S ♠ 2♠, unless East steels♠ himself to re-enterS the♠ fray. With 3♣ a ♣ A 8J 3 2 N ♣ K6 102 8 7 ♣ JA 9 Q 7 6 4 N ♣ Q10 6 95 53 3 2 ♥ ♥ claimer for E/W, and♥ 3♥ also making, it is incumbent♥ on East to 4 2 ♠ WEK Q 10 9 5 4A K 10 6 5 8 7 4 ♠ KWE J Q 3 ♦ 10 9 3 2 ♥ Q J 7 ♦ J 6 compete to the three♦ 10 level 5 4 over♥ 2♠K ,10 which 6 2 ♦makes8 2 eight tricks in S comfort. This is yet another hand whereS whoever declares the ♣ A J 3 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♣ K 10 8 7 ♣ J 9 ♦ A 9 6 3 ♣ Q 6 5 3 contract figures to score respectably, whether he makes or goes ♣♠ QK Q 10 9 5 4 ♣♠10K 7J 4 down one. ♥ Q J 7 ♥ K 10 6 2 EW 3♥; EW 4♣♦; NS 2A 8 5♠; EW 1N; Par −130 NS 5♥; S 4N; NS 5♦ A♦ 9; NS 46 3 ♣; N 2N; EW 1♠; ♣ Q Par +650 ♣ 10 7 4

EW 3♥; EW 4♣; NS 2♠; EW 1N; Par −130 NS 5♥; S 4N; NS 5♦; NS 4♣; N 2N; EW 1♠; Board 17Board 17 ♠ J 7 Board 18Board 18 ♠ 8 Another third-in-handPar +650 conundrum. Will West pass, preempt or North Deals ♥ 9 8 3 East Deals ♥ A J 9 5 open at the one level? All routes will have their supporters, but None Vul ♦ K Q 7 4 N-S Vul ♦ K Q J 7 N/S are favorites to find their heart fit and play game, whatever ♣ 9 6 5 4 ♣ A K 8 2 West does. On this occasion locating the trump queen will ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ make the difference between 10 and 11 tricks, with quite a few A 8 3 N 6 2 A Q 7 6 4 N 10 9 5 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ matchpoints riding on that trick. So if West pretends he has an 4 2 WE A K 10 6 5 8 7 4 WE Q 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ opening bid, he may successfully persuade his opponents to go 10 9 3 2 S J 6 10 5 4 S 8 2 ♣ A J 3 2 ♣ K 10 8 7 ♣ J 9 ♣ Q 6 5 3 wrong. Truly, the wicked flourish like the green bay-tree. ♠ K Q 10 9 5 4 ♠ K J ♥ Q J 7 ♥ K 10 6 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♦ A 9 6 3 ♣ Q ♣ 10 7 4

EW 3♥; EW 4♣; NS 2♠; EW 1N; Par −130 NS 5♥; S 4N; NS 5♦; NS 4♣; N 2N; EW 1♠; BoardPar +650 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 8 In secondBoard seat at 20Board 20 unfavorable♠ vulnerability,K 4 3 West would have South Deals ♥ J 10 7 to stretchWest to open. Deals Should he♥ act,J 6 East5 4 2 may drive to 7♥, E-W Vul ♦ K Q J 7 prepared Bothto gamble Vul on bringing♦ J 8in spades for no loser, or Board 19Board 19 ♣♠ 9Q 510 4 8 being ableBoard to ruff 20Board 20 out the suit♣♠ 7afterK 3 4 2 3pitching a loser on the ♠ ♠ ♦A. (Imagine West♠ with the ♣K, not the♠ ♣Q, for example.) South DealsA J 9 6 3 ♥ J 10N 7 K 7 5 West Deals8 6 ♥ J 6N 5 4 2 J 7 2 ♥ ♥ If West passes initially,♥ the danger that ♥E/W will miss slam E-W Vul6 5 ♦ WEK Q J 7 A K Q 9 8 3 2 Both VulK Q 10 ♦WEJ 8 3 ♦ A 6 3 2 ♣ ♦ — increases of course,♦ A 10 especially 7 6 2 ♣ if North deems♦ Q 9 5 his hand worth 9 5S 4 ♦ 7 3S 2 ♠♣ Q 6 ♣♠ A 10 2 a 1 opener in ♣third♠9 8 seat.4 In that case, N/S♣♠K mightQ J 10 well6 5 sacrifice A J 9 6 3 N K 7 5 in diamonds at some8 6 extreme levelN – whichJ may7 2 cost less than ♥ ♠ 4 2 ♥ ♥ ♠ A Q 10 9 5♥ 6 5 WE A K Q 9 8 3 2 the E/W slam, if moreK Q 10than theirWE game. 3 ♦ ♥ 4 ♦ ♦ ♥ A 9 8 7 ♦ A 6 3 2 S — A 10 7 6 2 S Q 9 5 ♣ Q 6 ♦ 10 9 8 5 4♣ A 10 2 ♣ 9 8 4 ♦ K 4 3 ♣ K Q J 10 6 5 ♣ ♣ ♠ K4 J2 8 7 3 ♠AA Q 10 9 5 ♥ 4 ♥ A 9 8 7 ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ ♣ ♦ EW 6 ; EW 6 ♦; EW 5N;10 9 8 5 NS 14 ; E 1 ; NS 4 ; NS 3 ; ♦EW 3K 4 3; NS 1N; EW 1 ; ♦ ♣ Par −1400: NS 7♣ K×−6 J 8 7 3 Par +500: EW 5♣ A×−2

EW 6♠; EW 6♥; EW 5N; NS 1♦; E 1♣; NS 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; Board 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 8 BoardPar −1400: 20Board 20 NS 7♠♦K×−6 4 3 Par +500: EW 5♣×−2 South Deals ♥ J 10 7 West Deals ♥ J 6 5 4 2 E-W Vul ♦ K Q J 7 Both Vul ♦ J 8 ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ 7 3 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 9 6 3 N K 7 5 8 6 N J 7 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 6 5 WE A K Q 9 8 3 2 K Q 10 WE 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 6 3 2 S — A 10 7 6 2 S Q 9 5 ♣ Q 6 ♣ A 10 2 ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ K Q J 10 6 5 ♠ 4 2 ♠ A Q 10 9 5 ♥ 4 ♥ A 9 8 7 ♦ 10 9 8 5 4 ♦ K 4 3 ♣ K J 8 7 3 ♣ A

EW 6♠; EW 6♥; EW 5N; NS 1♦; E 1♣; NS 4♥; NS 3♠; EW 3♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; Par −1400: NS 7♦×−6 Par +500: EW 5♣×−2 Board 17Board 17 ♠ J 7 Board 18Board 18 ♠ 8 North Deals ♥ 9 8 3 East Deals ♥ A J 9 5 None Vul ♦ K Q 7 4 N-S Vul ♦ K Q J 7 ♣ 9 6 5 4 ♣ A K 8 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A 8 3 N 6 2 A Q 7 6 4 N 10 9 5 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4 2 WE A K 10 6 5 8 7 4 WE Q 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 10 9 3 2 S J 6 10 5 4 S 8 2 ♣ A J 3 2 ♣ K 10 8 7 ♣ J 9 ♣ Q 6 5 3 ♠ K Q 10 9 5 4 ♠ K J ♥ Q J 7 ♥ K 10 6 2 ♦ A 8 5 ♦ A 9 6 3 ♣ Q ♣ 10 7 4

EW 3♥; EW 4♣; NS 2♠; EW 1N; Par −130 NS 5♥; S 4N; NS 5♦; NS 4♣; N 2N; EW 1♠; Par +650

Board 19Board 19 ♠ Q 10 8 Board 20Board 20 ♠ K 4 3 Another third-in-hand problem, but one where I suspect many South Deals ♥ J 10 7 West Deals ♥ J 6 5 4 2 Easts will opt for a 3♣ preempt. When South doubles, West will E-W Vul ♦ K Q J 7 Both Vul ♦ J 8 almost certainly pass, then hear his opponents bid to 4♥. West ♣ 9 5 4 ♣ 7 3 2 might now risk a double with his three tricks. Alas for him, he ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 9 6 3 N K 7 5 8 6 N J 7 2 would catch his partner with a defensive Yarborough. After a ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ club lead, won in dummy, declarer should play a spade to hand, 6 5 WE A K Q 9 8 3 2 K Q 10 WE 3 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ then a heart to the 7. He can next cash the ♥A and run spades, A 6 3 2 S — A 10 7 6 2 S Q 9 5 ♣ Q 6 ♣ A 10 2 ♣ 9 8 4 ♣ K Q J 10 6 5 letting West take his three winners whenever he wants. E/W do ♠ 4 2 ♠ A Q 10 9 5 have a decent save in 5♣ — not one many will find. ♥ 4 ♥ A 9 8 7 ♦ 10 9 8 5 4 ♦ K 4 3 ♣ K J 8 7 3 Board 21Board 21 ♣♠ AA Q 10 Board 22Board 22 ♠ K J 4 North Deals ♥ A K Q 8 East Deals ♥ Q EW 6♠; EW 6♥; EW 5N; NS 1♦; E 1♣; N-S VulNS 4♥; NS 3♠; ♦EW 3K 8♣; NS 1N; EW 1♦; E-W Vul ♦ A J 10 5 2 ♦ ♣ Par −1400: NS 7 ×−6 BoardP 21Board 21ar +500: EW 5♠♣ AJ×−2 6Q 5 10 2 Whether NorthBoard opens 22Board 22 1♣ or 2NT♠♣ (theKA J 5 4 latter4 2 is not recommended ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ North Deals8 5 ♥ A KN Q 8 J 4 in first/secondEast seat Deals if— you play ♥a Q20-22N range),Q 9it 3 may2 be hard for ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ N-S Vul J 9 7 4 2 ♦ WEK 8 6 5 3 N/S to determineE-W Vul whether9 8 4 3 to 2 head♦ AWE forJ 10 slam 5 2 orA game,J 10 6 and which ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 6 5 ♣ J 6S 5 2 A J 7 4 2 strain they should finishK Q 9up 7 in. ♣6♠A by 5S North4 2 is8 quite 6 a decent ♠♣ 4 3 ♠♣ K 10 9 contract. The defenders♠♣ K 10 must 9 7 lead a diamond,♠♣ J 8or 6 South’s losers 8 5 N J 4 — N Q 9 3 2 ♥ ♠ K 9 7 6 3♥ 2 go on the hearts. After♥ that start,♠ declarerA 10 8 7 ♥may6 5 be able to draw J 9 7 4 2 WE 6 5 3 9 8 4 3 2 WE A J 10 6 ♦ ♥ 10 ♦ trumps and test hearts♦ before taking♥ K 7 the5 club♦ finesse. In practice, Q 9 6 5 S A J 7 4 2 K Q 9 7 S 8 6 ♣ 4 3 ♦ 10 3 ♣ K 10 9 4♠ by South on a♣ diamondK 10 9 7 lead♦ will4 3 collect♣ 11J 8tricks, 6 for what ♠♣ KA 9Q 7 8 6 7 3 2 rates at best to be an average minus♠♣AQ 10 3result. 8 7 6 5 ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 5 N 6N; N 6♠; S 5♦♠10; N 5 3 ♣; S 4♣; S 2N; NS 2♥; NS 4♠; NS 3N;♦ EW 34 3 ♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; N 2♦; S 1♦; Par +1440♣ A Q 8 7 Par +420 ♣ Q 3

N 6N; N 6♠; S 5♠; N 5♣; S 4♣; S 2N; NS 2♥; NS 4♠; NS 3N; EW 3♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; Board 21Board 21 ♠ A Q 10 BoardN 22Board 22 2♦; S 1♦; Par +1440♠ K J 4 When South opensPar +420 a weak 2♠ (you’d rather have a better suit North Deals ♥ A K Q 8 East Deals ♥ Q but nonvulnerable beggars cannot be choosers), only the most N-S Vul ♦ K 8 E-W Vul ♦ A J 10 5 2 hot-headed of Wests will intervene. North ought to raise to 4♠, ♣ J 6 5 2 ♣ A 5 4 2 to end the auction at almost every table. West has a logical lead ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ of a top diamond, rather than the passive heart that would hold 8 5 N J 4 — N Q 9 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ declarer to +420. Similarly, when South wins the ♦A, it is not J 9 7 4 2 WE 6 5 3 9 8 4 3 2 WE A J 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ clear whether to play a top spade or ♥Q from dummy. Either Q 9 6 5 S A J 7 4 2 K Q 9 7 S 8 6 ♣ 4 3 ♣ K 10 9 ♣ K 10 9 7 ♣ J 8 6 way, declarer looks likely to take only 10 tricks; so anyone who ♠ K 9 7 6 3 2 ♠ A 10 8 7 6 5 manages an 11th may collect almost all the matchpoints. ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 5 ♦ 10 3 ♦ 4 3 ♣ A Q 8 7 ♣ Q 3

N 6N; N 6♠; S 5♠; N 5♣; S 4♣; S 2N; NS 2♥; NS 4♠; NS 3N; EW 3♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; N 2♦; S 1♦; Par +1440 BoardPar +420 23Board 23 ♠ Q 10 7 3 2 Some SouthsBoard may preempt24Board 24 to 2♥♠ ,K but 10 4if South passes, a 2♣ South Deals ♥ 6 3 opener from WestWest Dealswill see E/W ♥in Qgame. J 5♣ (or even 6♣) looks Both Vul ♦ K 9 a decent contract,None Vulbut after a trump♦ Q 10lead 9 3from North, you’d Board 23Board 23 ♠♣ Q8 610 5 7 4 3 2 figure comingBoard to even24Board 24 11 tricks ♠♣wouldKK 10 8 54be 3 a struggle today. 3NT ♠ ♥ ♠ by East is the next♠ most probable♥ final contract,♠ rather than 4♠. South DealsA J 9 5 4 6 3N K West DealsQ 6 3 Q JN 9 2 ♥ ♦ ♥ After a top heart lead,♥ there are♦ just eight top♥ winners; however, Both VulA WEK 9 10 9 7 4 2 None VulK 9 4 3 2 QWE 10 9 3 A 10 8 5 ♦ ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♦ the defense may have♦ to give declarer♣ K 8 5 an3 additional♦ trick one A 10 3 S J 7 6 K 6 5 S J 7 4 ♠ ♠ way or another, despite♠ the unfriendly spade♠ break. Making 600 ♣ A JK 9Q 5 7 4 N ♣ KJ 10 9 3 ♣ Q10 6 7 3 N ♣9J 29 6 2 ♥ ♠ ♥ will surely score E/W♥ well here. ♠ ♥ A WE8 6 10 9 7 4 2 K 9 4 3 2 WEA J 8 7 5 A 10 8 5 ♦ ♥ ♦ ♦ ♥ ♦ A 10 3 K QS J 8 5 J 7 6 K 6 5 7 6S J 7 4 ♣ A K Q 7 ♦ Q 8 5 4 2♣ J 10 9 3 ♣ 10 7 ♦ A 8 2 ♣ J 9 6 2 ♠♣ 82 6 ♠♣AA J Q 8 4 7 5 ♥ K Q J 8 5 ♥ 7 6 EW 4♠; EW 3N;♦ QEW 5 8 5 ♣4; 2EW 2♥; EW 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 4♦♦; NS 2N;A 8 2 NS 3♣; EW 1♥; Par −620 ♣ 2 Par +420 ♣ A Q 4

EW 4♠; EW 3N; EW 5♣; EW 2♥; EW 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 2N; NS 3♣; EW 1♥; Par −620 Par +420 Board 23Board 23 ♠ Q 10 7 3 2 Board 24Board 24 ♠ K 10 4 South Deals ♥ 6 3 West Deals ♥ Q J Both Vul ♦ K 9 None Vul ♦ Q 10 9 3 ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ K 8 5 3 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ A J 9 5 4 N K Q 6 3 N 9 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A WE 10 9 7 4 2 K 9 4 3 2 WE A 10 8 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A 10 3 S J 7 6 K 6 5 S J 7 4 ♣ A K Q 7 ♣ J 10 9 3 ♣ 10 7 ♣ J 9 6 2 ♠ 8 6 ♠ A J 8 7 5 ♥ K Q J 8 5 ♥ 7 6 ♦ Q 8 5 4 2 ♦ A 8 2 ♣ 2 ♣ A Q 4

EW 4♠; EW 3N; EW 5♣; EW 2♥; EW 1♦; NS 4♠; NS 4♦; NS 2N; NS 3♣; EW 1♥; Par −620 Par +420 Board 21Board 21 ♠ A Q 10 Board 22Board 22 ♠ K J 4 North Deals ♥ A K Q 8 East Deals ♥ Q N-S Vul ♦ K 8 E-W Vul ♦ A J 10 5 2 ♣ J 6 5 2 ♣ A 5 4 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 8 5 N J 4 — N Q 9 3 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ J 9 7 4 2 WE 6 5 3 9 8 4 3 2 WE A J 10 6 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 9 6 5 S A J 7 4 2 K Q 9 7 S 8 6 ♣ 4 3 ♣ K 10 9 ♣ K 10 9 7 ♣ J 8 6 ♠ K 9 7 6 3 2 ♠ A 10 8 7 6 5 ♥ 10 ♥ K 7 5 ♦ 10 3 ♦ 4 3 ♣ A Q 8 7 ♣ Q 3

N 6N; N 6♠; S 5♠; N 5♣; S 4♣; S 2N; NS 2♥; NS 4♠; NS 3N; EW 3♥; NS 1♦; NS 1♣; N 2♦; S 1♦; Par +1440 Par +420

Board 23Board 23 ♠ Q 10 7 3 2 Board 24Board 24 ♠ K 10 4 South has the choice in fourth seat between a 1♠ or 1NT opener. South Deals ♥ 6 3 West Deals ♥ Q J Arguably, the small doubleton and decent five-card suit in a Both Vul ♦ K 9 None Vul ♦ Q 10 9 3 minimum notrump point towards a 1♠ bid. If South agrees, ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ K 8 5 3 that will surely result in a 4♠ game, where declarer will have to ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ find the ♠Q and may also have to negotiate the diamonds. By A J 9 5 4 N K Q 6 3 N 9 2 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ contrast, a strong notrump should see West cash out the hearts A WE 10 9 7 4 2 K 9 4 3 2 WE A 10 8 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ against 3NT, with declarer not close to having a claim for the A 10 3 S J 7 6 K 6 5 S J 7 4 ♣ A K Q 7 ♣ J 10 9 3 ♣ 10 7 ♣ J 9 6 2 balance. Moral: the combination of small doubletons and five- ♠ 8 6 ♠ A J 8 7 5 card majors is not ideal for notrump openers. ♥ K Q J 8 5 ♥ 7 6 ♦ Q 8 5 4 2 ♦ A 8 2 ♣ 2 ♣ A Q 4 Board 25Board 25 ♠ 9 8 Board 26Board 26 ♠ K 7 4 North Deals ♥ A 8 5 2 East Deals ♥ 10 9 6 ♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ ♠ ♦ ♣ ♥ EW 4 ; EW 3N; EW 5 ; EW 2 ; EW 1 ; E-W VulNS 4 ; NS 4 ;♦ NS 2N;Q 6 5 NS 32 ; EW 1 ; Both Vul ♦ J 9 5 Par −620 BoardP 25Board 25ar +420 ♣♠ Q9 84 2 When South Boardopens 26Board 26a third-seat ♣1♠K,K 8some 7 6 4 5 Wests will feel obliged ♠ ♥ ♠ to double, arguing♠ that acting now♥ is safer♠ than coming in later. North DealsK 3 A 8N 5 2 10 5 4 2 East DealsA J 9 6 10N 9 6 8 3 E-W Vul♥ ♦ Q 6 5 2 ♥ Whether WestBoth doubles ♥Vul or passes,♦ NorthJ 9 5 will♥ surely respond 1NT, K Q 10 7 WE J 9 A 7 4 3 WE Q 8 5 2 ♦ K J 3 ♣ Q 4 2 ♦ 9 4 and will later have♦ to7 choose4 between♣ K 8 a6 diamond5 ♦ A 10 6 and 3 spade ♠ S ♠ partscore. In diamonds♠ the route to +110S looks♠ simple enough. ♣ 9K 83 7 3 N ♣ K10 J 510 4 62 5 ♣ JA 9 J7 9 6 N ♣ 48 3 32 ♥ ♥ In spades, declarer♥ runs the risk of being tapped♥ out in clubs. K Q 10 7 ♠ WEA Q J 7 6 J 9 A 7 4 3 ♠ QWE 10 5 2 Q 8 5 2 ♦ K J 3 ♥ 6 4 3 ♦ 9 4 However, he can discard♦ 7 4 heart losers♥ K J on clubs♦ A to 10 avoid 6 3 some of S the jeopardy. Anyone finding a routeS to more than eight tricks in ♣ 9 8 7 3 ♦ A 10 8 7 ♣ K J 10 6 5 ♣ J 9 7 ♦ K Q 8 2 ♣ 4 3 2 spades should achieve a splendid score. ♣♠ AA Q J 7 6 ♣♠AQ Q 10 10 5 2 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ K J S 3♠; N 2♠; NS 3♦ ♦A; 10NS 1N; 8 7 EW 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 3♦ K ♦Q; 8NS 3 2 ♣; Par +120 Par +140 ♣ A ♣ A Q 10

S 3♠; N 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 3♣; Par +120 Board 25Board 25 ♠ 9 8 BoardP 26Board 26ar +140 ♠ K 7 4 With South having no conceivable reason to upgrade his hand North Deals ♥ A 8 5 2 East Deals ♥ 10 9 6 out of a strong notrump, he will open and close the auction with E-W Vul ♦ Q 6 5 2 Both Vul ♦ J 9 5 that call at most tables. A spade lead works poorly for West, ♣ Q 4 2 ♣ K 8 6 5 a low heart is better in theory, but may turn out even worse in ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ practice, unless East can somehow refrain from ‘third-hand high’ K 3 N 10 5 4 2 A J 9 6 N 8 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ — and why should he? After a heart lead to the queen and K Q 10 7 WE J 9 A 7 4 3 WE Q 8 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ king, declarer has an easy route to nine tricks, whereas after a K J 3 S 9 4 7 4 S A 10 6 3 ♣ 9 8 7 3 ♣ K J 10 6 5 ♣ J 9 7 ♣ 4 3 2 spade lead South will need to read the cards accurately to come ♠ A Q J 7 6 ♠ Q 10 5 2 to +150. ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ K J ♦ A 10 8 7 ♦ K Q 8 2 ♣ A ♣ A Q 10

S 3♠; N 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 1N; EW 2♣; NS 1♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 3♦; NS 3♣; Par +120 Par +140 Board 27Board 27 ♠ A Q Talk about ‘BiddingBoard 28Board 28 Challenge’ ♠deals!A K QI’d 2 confidently expect South Deals ♥ A 8 7 2 most E/W pairsWest to Deals achieve one♥ downQ 9 8 — or worse — from spade None Vul ♦ 9 8 games here.N-S Meanwhile, Vul 3NT by♦ WestA J 7 is an excellent spot and ♣ is surely going to take at least nine♣ tricks — more, perhaps on a Board 27Board 27 ♠ 9A 8Q 6 4 3 Board 28Board 28 ♠9A 6 K4 Q 2 ♠ ♠ club lead into the♠ tenace. But how can E/W♠ avoid the doomed South DealsJ 10 6 2 ♥ A 8N 7 2 8 7 5 4 West Deals7 5 4 ♥ QN 9 8 J 10 9 6 ♥ ♥ 4–4 fit? I have little♥ idea, but it would certainly♥ help if East were None VulK Q 10 ♦ WE9 8 J N-S VulJ 7 ♦WEA J 7 K 4 2 ♦ Q 10 7 3 ♦ A K J 5 4 2 to raise diamonds♦ andQ 10 West 6 4 2 then focused♦ on9 3his stoppers. Even ♣ 9 8S 6 4 3 ♣ 9 S6 4 ♣ ♣ so, it may turn out♣ to be more a matter of♣ luck than judgment ♠ AJ 107 6 2 ♠ Q8 J7 5 4 ♠A7 75 3 4 ♠KJ Q 10 8 92 6 ♠ N to get this right. ♠ N ♥ K Q 10 K 9 3 ♥ J ♥ J 7 8 3 ♥ K 4 2 ♥ 9WE 6 5 4 3 ♥ AWE 10 6 5 3 ♦ Q 10 7 3 ♦ A K J 5 4 2 ♦ Q 10 6 4 2 ♦ 9 3 ♦ 6 S ♦ K 8 S5 ♣ A 7 ♣ Q J ♣ A 7 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 ♣ K 10 5 2 ♣ J 10 5 ♠ K 9 3 ♠ 8 3 ♥ 9 6 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 6 5 3 EW 4N; EW 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 2♣; NS 3♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; Par +140 ♦ 6 ♦ K 8 5 Par −430 ♣ K 10 5 2 ♣ J 10 5

EW 4N; EW 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 2♣; NS 3♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; Par +140 Board 27Board 27 ♠ A Q BoardPar −430 28Board 28 ♠ A K Q 2 South Deals ♥ A 8 7 2 West Deals ♥ Q 9 8 None Vul ♦ 9 8 N-S Vul ♦ A J 7 ♣ 9 8 6 4 3 ♣ 9 6 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 10 6 2 N 8 7 5 4 7 5 4 N J 10 9 6 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 10 WE J J 7 WE K 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Q 10 7 3 S A K J 5 4 2 Q 10 6 4 2 S 9 3 ♣ A 7 ♣ Q J ♣ A 7 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 ♠ K 9 3 ♠ 8 3 ♥ 9 6 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 6 5 3 ♦ 6 ♦ K 8 5 ♣ K 10 5 2 ♣ J 10 5

EW 4N; EW 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 2♣; NS 3♥; NS 2N; NS 2♠; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; Par +140 Par −430 Board 25Board 25 ♠ 9 8 Board 26Board 26 ♠ K 7 4 North Deals ♥ A 8 5 2 East Deals ♥ 10 9 6 E-W Vul ♦ Q 6 5 2 Both Vul ♦ J 9 5 ♣ Q 4 2 ♣ K 8 6 5 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 3 N 10 5 4 2 A J 9 6 N 8 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ K Q 10 7 WE J 9 A 7 4 3 WE Q 8 5 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ K J 3 S 9 4 7 4 S A 10 6 3 ♣ 9 8 7 3 ♣ K J 10 6 5 ♣ J 9 7 ♣ 4 3 2 ♠ A Q J 7 6 ♠ Q 10 5 2 ♥ 6 4 3 ♥ K J ♦ A 10 8 7 ♦ K Q 8 2 ♣ A ♣ A Q 10

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

Board 27Board 27 ♠ A Q Board 28Board 28 ♠ A K Q 2 Facing a strong notrump, South has a hand worth a transfer … South Deals ♥ A 8 7 2 West Deals ♥ Q 9 8 but then what? Some will pass (especially if their notrump range None Vul ♦ 9 8 N-S Vul ♦ A J 7 suffers from galloping inflation). Other Souths will invite to 2NT ♣ 9 8 6 4 3 ♣ 9 6 4 — an overbid by approximately the ♥9. North has enough quick ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ J 10 6 2 N 8 7 5 4 7 5 4 N J 10 9 6 tricks to gamble out 4♥ now, and the spotlight turns to East. ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ The lead of the ♠J looks entirely normal but ineffective, that of K Q 10 WE J J 7 WE K 4 2 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ the ♣K a huge winner today. Even after a spade lead, declarer Q 10 7 3 S A K J 5 4 2 Q 10 6 4 2 S 9 3 ♣ A 7 ♣ Q J ♣ A 7 3 ♣ K Q 8 2 is not entirely out of the woods; but with the ♦Q onside, any ♠ K 9 3 ♠ 8 3 sensible approach in trumps should see him bring home +620. ♥ 9 6 5 4 3 ♥ A 10 6 5 3 ♦ 6 ♦ K 8 5 ♣ K 10 5 2 Board 29Board 29 ♣♠ JA 10 5 53 2 Board 30Board 30 ♠ 8 5 North Deals ♥ 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 EW 4N; EW 3♠; NS 2♥; EW 3♦; NS 2♣; Both VulNS 3♥; NS 2N; ♦NS 27 6♠ 3; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; Par +140 None Vul ♦ Q 9 3 ♣ K 4 3 ♣ 9 8 7 4 Par −430 Board 29Board 29 ♠ A 5 3 2 East’s cards Boardmay not 30Board 30 be everyone’s♠ 8 (anyone’s?)5 idea of a ♠ K 10 8 4 ♠ Q J 9 ♠ 10 9 4 2 ♠ A J 7 3 North Deals ♥ 10 N9 6 vulnerable 2East♥ call. Deals If East acts, West♥ Q 10N will 9 8simply bid 4♥ to end ♥ A K 8 3 ♥ Q J 7 5 4 2 ♥ A K 4 ♥ J 5 Both Vul ♦ WE7 6 3 the auction, Noneunless Vul South gambles♦ WEQ out 9 3 a sacrifice. 5♣ doubled ♦ A K 9 ♦ Q 5 4 ♦ J 8 6 2 ♦ A K 7 5 ♣ K 4S 3 would escape for minus 500, but♣ E/W9 8S 7 could 4 always bid on ♣ J 10 ♣ 8 ♣ J 3 ♣ A 6 2 ♠ K 10 8 4 ♠ Q J 9 to 5♥ and collect ♠their10 9650. 4 2 If East passes ♠initially,A J 7 3the issue ♠ 7 6N ♠ K QN 6 ♥ A K 8 3 ♥ Q J 7 5 4 2 of whether N/S save♥ A in K 5 4♣ may be driven by♥ Jwhether 5 South ♥ WE— ♥ WE7 6 3 2 ♦ A K 9 ♦ Q 5 4 preempts to 3♣ or♦ 4J♣ 8. 6North 2 might not want♦ to risk a penalty ♦ S ♦ S A K 7 5 ♣ J 10 8 2 ♣ by raising a third-in-hand♣ three-level10 4preempt.♣ The play rates J 10 ♣ 8 J 3 ♣ A 6 2 ♠ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 to be simple here, whether it be♠ inK hearts Q 10 5 (for 11 tricks) or clubs 7 6 (for nine). K Q 6 ♥ — ♥ 7 6 3 2 EW 5♥; E 3♠; W 2♠; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; EW 3♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 1♥; EW 1♣; ♦ J 10 8 2 ♦ 10 4 Par −650 Par −140 ♣ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♣ K Q 10 5

EW 5♥; E 3♠; W 2♠; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; EW 3♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 1♥; EW 1♣; Board 29Board 29 ♠ A 5 3 2 BoardP 30Board 30ar −650 ♠ 8 5 At most tables StaymanPar −140 will reveal the spade fit; West should North Deals ♥ 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 then invite game, allowing East to accept. 4♠ is a fine contract: Both Vul ♦ 7 6 3 None Vul ♦ Q 9 3 unless N/S can generate a ruff, declarer seems to need either ♣ K 4 3 ♣ 9 8 7 4 spade honor onside or for the ♦Q to fall. Today will not be East’s ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ lucky day, though, unless South finds the bizarre lead of ♦10 K 10 8 4 N Q J 9 10 9 4 2 N A J 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ — and even then, declarer might misguess what to do. Of the A K 8 3 WE Q J 7 5 4 2 A K 4 WE J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ alternative opening leads, a heart is most passive, while a club A K 9 S Q 5 4 J 8 6 2 S A K 7 5 ♣ J 10 ♣ 8 ♣ J 3 ♣ A 6 2 may be necessary to set up tricks there before East can discard his losers. Either defense ought to set 4♠ today. ♠ 7 6 ♠ K Q 6 ♥ — ♥ 7 6 3 2 ♦ J 10 8 2 ♦ 10 4 ♣ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♣ K Q 10 5

EW 5♥; E 3♠; W 2♠; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; EW 3♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 1♥; EW 1♣; Par −650 BoardPar −140 31Board 31 ♠ 8 2 Yet another 1NTBoard opener, 32Board 32 this time♠ forK 7 South. 5 4 The vulnerability South Deals ♥ K Q 10 9 may tempt WestWest into Deals a 3♦ preempt♥ J 9 now, 6 5 which in turn may N-S Vul ♦ Q 8 force North toE-W guess Vul whether to♦ doubleQ 7 6 3for takeout or bid 3NT. ♣ Q 9 7 6 4 Either way, it is hard to imagine ♣N/S2 staying out of game. After Board 31Board 31 ♠ 8 2 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K 7 5 4 ♠ 7 5 3 ♠ A K 10 9 4 a diamond lead, 3NT♠ 8 takes 3 precisely five —♠ countA Q 10’em! — tricks. South Deals ♥ K QN 10 9 West Deals ♥ J 9N 6 5 ♥ 8 7 2 ♥ 6 5 4♥ (which might be♥ Adoubled) 4 2 goes down three♥ K on a club lead. N-S Vul ♦ WEQ 8 E-W Vul ♦ WEQ 7 6 3 ♦ A J 10 9 4 3 ♦ 7 5 2 Does that mean N/S♦ Ashould K 4 opt to defend?♦ No:J 10 doubling 2 3♦ ♣ Q 9S 7 6 4 ♣ 2 S ♣ 3 ♣ A 10 2 is hardly a panacea♣ either,Q 10 9 since 5 4 West has an♣ Aeasy J 8 nine7 6 3 tricks ♠ 7 5 3 ♠ A K 10 9 4 there. Thus any N/S♠ who8 3 go plus here will surely♠ A Q scoop 10 the pool. ♠ Q JN 6 ♠ J 9N 6 2 ♥ 8 7 2 ♥ 6 5 ♥ A 4 2 ♥ K ♥ WEA J 4 3 ♥ WEQ 10 8 7 3 ♦ A J 10 9 4 3 ♦ 7 5 2 ♦ A K 4 ♦ J 10 2 ♦ K 6S ♦ 9 8S 5 ♣ 3 ♣ A 10 2 ♣ Q 10 9 5 4 ♣ A J 8 7 6 3 ♣ K J 8 5 ♣ K ♠ Q J 6 ♠ J 9 6 2 ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ Q 10 8 7 3 EW 3♠; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♥; Par −140 EW 7♣; EW 6N; EW 4♦; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; ♦ K 6 ♦ 9 8 5 Par −2000: NS 7♥×−8; NS 7♠×−8 ♣ K J 8 5 ♣ K

EW 3♠; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♥; Par −140 EW 7♣; EW 6N; EW 4♦; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; Board 31Board 31 ♠ 8 2 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K 7 5 4 Par −2000: NS 7♥×−8; NS 7♠×−8 South Deals ♥ K Q 10 9 West Deals ♥ J 9 6 5 N-S Vul ♦ Q 8 E-W Vul ♦ Q 7 6 3 ♣ Q 9 7 6 4 ♣ 2 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 5 3 N A K 10 9 4 8 3 N A Q 10 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 7 2 WE 6 5 A 4 2 WE K ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 9 4 3 S 7 5 2 A K 4 S J 10 2 ♣ 3 ♣ A 10 2 ♣ Q 10 9 5 4 ♣ A J 8 7 6 3 ♠ Q J 6 ♠ J 9 6 2 ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ Q 10 8 7 3 ♦ K 6 ♦ 9 8 5 ♣ K J 8 5 ♣ K

EW 3♠; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♥; Par −140 EW 7♣; EW 6N; EW 4♦; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; Par −2000: NS 7♥×−8; NS 7♠×−8 Board 29Board 29 ♠ A 5 3 2 Board 30Board 30 ♠ 8 5 North Deals ♥ 10 9 6 East Deals ♥ Q 10 9 8 Both Vul ♦ 7 6 3 None Vul ♦ Q 9 3 ♣ K 4 3 ♣ 9 8 7 4 ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ K 10 8 4 N Q J 9 10 9 4 2 N A J 7 3 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ A K 8 3 WE Q J 7 5 4 2 A K 4 WE J 5 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A K 9 S Q 5 4 J 8 6 2 S A K 7 5 ♣ J 10 ♣ 8 ♣ J 3 ♣ A 6 2 ♠ 7 6 ♠ K Q 6 ♥ — ♥ 7 6 3 2 ♦ J 10 8 2 ♦ 10 4 ♣ A Q 9 7 6 5 2 ♣ K Q 10 5

EW 5♥; E 3♠; W 2♠; NS 3♣; EW 2♦; EW 3♠; EW 3♦; EW 1N; EW 1♥; EW 1♣; Par −650 Par −140

Board 31Board 31 ♠ 8 2 Board 32Board 32 ♠ K 7 5 4 When West opens 1♣, we have a bizarre parallel to board 5, South Deals ♥ K Q 10 9 West Deals ♥ J 9 6 5 where it was South who had the choice of an inverted raise or of N-S Vul ♦ Q 8 E-W Vul ♦ Q 7 6 3 a splinter raise of clubs. This time East as the responding hand ♣ Q 9 7 6 4 ♣ 2 has real slam interest, and E/W might well find their way to the ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ 7 5 3 N A K 10 9 4 8 3 N A Q 10 excellent 6♣. Slam is not quite a claimer: after a spade lead, ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 8 7 2 WE 6 5 A 4 2 WE K declarer will need either the spade finesse or the club guess. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ A J 10 9 4 3 S 7 5 2 A K 4 S J 10 2 On any other lead, West can do rather better by stripping off ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ 3 A 10 2 Q 10 9 5 4 A J 8 7 6 3 the red suits after cashing the ♣A early. That line achieves an ♠ ♠ Q J 6 J 9 6 2 endplay if South has both black kings. ♥ A J 4 3 ♥ Q 10 8 7 3 ♦ K 6 ♦ 9 8 5 ♣ K J 8 5 ♣ K Board 33Board 33 ♠ A 10 9 Board 34Board 34 ♠ A 10 EW 3♠; EW 3♦; NS 3♣; NS 1♥; Par −140 North EW 7Deals♣; EW 6N;♥ QEW 4 9 6 ♦4; EW 2♠; EW 2♥; East Deals ♥ Q 8 3 None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 N-S Vul ♦ A 8 BoardP 33Board 33ar −2000: NS 7♠ A♥ ×−8;10 9 NS 7♠×−8 All routesBoard appear 34Board 34 to lead♠ Ato 10 a contract of 4♥, typically declared ♣ K 9 2 ♣ A K 10 6 4 3 North Deals ♥ Q 9 6 4 by SouthEast afterDeals a strong♥ notrumpQ 8 3 opening and Stayman. Even if ♠ Q 8 ♠ K 6 4 2 ♠ K 9 7 3 ♠ 8 6 5 4 None Vul ♦ 10 N7 6 N-S Vul ♦ A 8N ♥ 7 3 ♥ 8 5 2 North plays♥ theJ hand, East may well♥ A 10have 7 5 2heard his partner bid ♣ WEK 9 2 ♣ WEA K 10 6 4 3 ♦ K Q J 8 5 ♦ 9 3 2 diamonds. ♦In Keither 6 3 2 case, declarer♦ isQ likely9 7 to duck one diamond, ♠ Q 8 S ♠ K 6 4 2 ♠ K 9 7 3 S ♠ 8 6 5 4 ♣ 8 6 5 4 N ♣ Q J 7 win the next,♣ Qthen 9 8 5take a spadeN finesse♣ 2 and draw trumps, before ♥ 7 3 ♥ 8 5 2 ♥ J ♥ A 10 7 5 2 ♠ WEJ 7 5 3 repeating the spade finesse.♠ WEQ J 2 The fall of the ♠Q allows declarer ♦ K Q J 8 5 ♦ 9 3 2 ♦ K 6 3 2 ♦ Q 9 7 ♥ A KS J 10 to pitch the club loser and♥ K 9wrapS 6 4 up 11 tricks. Any N/S pair failing ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 9 8 5 ♣ 2 ♦ A 4 to bring home +450 will♦ scoreJ 10 5 4very poorly. ♠ J 7 5 3 ♠ Q J 2 ♣ A 10 3 ♣ J 7 ♥ A K J 10 ♥ K 9 6 4 ♦ A 4 ♦ J 10 5 4 NS 5♥; NS 4♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♥; NS 3♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♦; ♣ A 10 3 ♣ J 7 ♠ Board 33Board 33 ♠ A 10 9 BoardP 34Board 34ar +450 ♠ A 10 Par +500: EW 4 ×−3 North Deals ♥ Q 9 6 4 East DealsNS 5♥; NS 4♠;♥ NS 2N;Q 8 3 NS 2♣; NS 1♦; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♥; NS 3♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♦; None Vul ♦ 10 7 6 N-S VulPar +450 ♦ A 8 Par +500: EW 4♠×−3 Board 33Board 33 ♠ A 10 9 Board 34Board 34 ♠ A 10 ♣ K 9 2 ♣ A K 10 6 4 3 The vulnerability may tempt E/W to try to find a way into the North Deals ♥ Q 9 6 4 East Deals ♥ Q 8 3 ♠ Q 8 ♠ K 6 4 2 ♠ K 9 7 3 ♠ 8 6 5 4 N/S auction, but their lack of high cards might discourage all None Vul ♦ 10 N7 6 N-S Vul ♦ A 8N ♥ 7 3 ♥ 8 5 2 ♥ J ♥ A 10 7 5 2 but the most aggressive of optimists from getting too high ♣ WEK 9 2 ♣ WEA K 10 6 4 3 ♦ K Q J 8 5 ♦ 9 3 2 ♦ K 6 3 2 ♦ Q 9 7 here. Having said that, if N/S bid to their normal game of 3NT ♠ Q 8 S ♠ K 6 4 2 ♠ K 9 7 3 S ♠ 8 6 5 4 ♣ 8 6 5 4 N ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 9 8 5 N ♣ 2 on a spade lead, they will take at least nine tricks (more, if West ♥ 7 3 ♥ 8 5 2 ♥ J ♥ A 10 7 5 2 ♠ WEJ 7 5 3 ♠ WEQ J 2 unwisely covers a spade honor from dummy at trick one). So ♦ K Q J 8 5 ♦ 9 3 2 ♦ K 6 3 2 ♦ Q 9 7 ♥ A KS J 10 ♥ K 9S 6 4 should E/W consider a sacrifice in 4♠? The defenders do best to ♣ 8 6 5 4 ♣ Q J 7 ♣ Q 9 8 5 ♣ 2 ♦ A 4 ♦ J 10 5 4 go passive, and now, despite the favorable lie of the diamonds, ♠ J 7 5 3 ♠ Q J 2 ♣ A 10 3 ♣ J 7 ♥ A K J 10 ♥ K 9 6 4 declarer can do no better than lose minus 500. That would still ♦ A 4 ♦ J 10 5 4 be a good save, though. NS 5♥; NS 4♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♥; NS 3♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♦; ♣ A 10 3 ♣ J 7 Par +450 Par +500: EW 4♠×−3 NS 5♥; NS 4♠; NS 2N; NS 2♣; NS 1♦; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♥; NS 3♣; EW 1♠; NS 1♦; Par +450 Par +500: EW 4♠×−3 ♠ ♠ Board 35Board 35 A J Board 36Board 36 9 5 ♠ ♦ ♥ When N/S’s bidding begins:♥ 1 –1NT; 2 , North has too much South Deals 9 8 4 3 to pass,West but Deals a hard choice9 between7 3 giving preference to 2♠ or E-W Vul ♦ K J 6 3 Both Vul ♦ A K 10 Board 35Board 35 ♠ A J Board 36Board 36 ♠ 9 5♠ ♣ J 5 3 raising diamonds. Bidding♣ A 2Q 9 feels8 3 right to me; both spades and South Deals ♥ 9 8 4 3 West Deals ♥ 9 7 3 ♠ K Q 9 6 ♠ 10 3 diamonds rate♠ 10 to4 make, but spades♠ K scoresJ 7 3 2 more. In fact 2♠ is a E-W Vul ♦ K JN 6 3 Both Vul ♦ A KN 10 ♥ 7 6 ♥ K J 10 5 2 real struggle♥ Awhen K J 5 South turns up♥ 8with 6 very weak spades and ♣ WEJ 5 3 ♣ WEA Q 9 8 3 ♦ A 9 8 ♦ Q 10 the suit does♦ Q not 8 5 break. Declarer♦ can7 6 score4 3 +110 in spades by ♠ K Q 9 6 S ♠ 10 3 ♠ 10 4 S ♠ K J 7 3 2 ♣ 10 7 6 4 N ♣ Q 9 8 2 tackling trumps♣ K J 4before 2 diamonds.N ♣ 7However, 5 after a club lead, he ♥ 7 6 ♥ K J 10 5 2 ♥ A K J 5 ♥ 8 6 ♠ WE8 7 5 4 2 might try a diamond to♠ theWEA Q jack 8 6 at trick two, which would ♦ A 9 8 ♦ Q 10 ♦ Q 8 5 ♦ 7 6 4 3 ♥ A QS be fatal. +130 will surely♥ scoreQ 10S 4 N/S 2 very well, and +110 will not ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ Q 9 8 2 ♣ K J 4 2 ♣ 7 5 ♦ 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 2 ♠ 8 7 5 4 2 be bad. ♠ A Q 8 6 ♣ A K ♣ 10 6 ♥ A Q ♥ Q 10 4 2 ♦ 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 2 NS 4♦; NS 2♠; NS 1N; W 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +130 S 4♥; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♠; S 3♦; NS 3♣; N 2♦; ♣ A K ♣ 10 6 N 1♠; Par +620 Board 35Board 35 ♠ A J Board 36Board 36 ♠ 9 5 When East hears his partner open 1♣ and rebid 1NT over his 1♠ South Deals ♥ 9 8 4 3 West DealsNS 4♦; NS 2♠;♥ NS 1N;9 7 3 W 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +130 call, he shouldS 4♥ probably; NS 3N; N 3 convert♥; S 2♠; S 3to ♦2;♠ NS 3, figuring♣; N 2♦; his hand will E-W Vul ♦ K J 6 3 Both Vul ♦ A K 10 N 1♠; Par +620 Board 35Board 35 ♠ A J Board 36Board 36 ♠ 9 5 be almost worthless in notrump. 2♠ can indeed be made — but ♣ J 5 3 ♣ A Q 9 8 3 South Deals ♥ 9 8 4 3 West Deals ♥ 9 7 3 by South, not by East. Still, after a heart lead against East’s 2♠ ♠ K Q 9 6 ♠ 10 3 ♠ 10 4 ♠ K J 7 3 2 E-W Vul ♦ K JN 6 3 Both Vul ♦ A KN 10 contract, declarer might finesse in desperation, then play three ♥ 7 6 ♥ K J 10 5 2 ♥ A K J 5 ♥ 8 6 ♣ WEJ 5 3 ♣ WEA Q 9 8 3 ♦ A 9 8 ♦ Q 10 ♦ Q 8 5 ♦ 7 6 4 3 more rounds of hearts. If he can emerge with six tricks after that ♠ K Q 9 6 S ♠ 10 3 ♠ 10 4 S ♠ K J 7 3 2 ♣ 10 7 6 4 N ♣ Q 9 8 2 ♣ K J 4 2 N ♣ 7 5 start, he won’t score too terribly, despite the doom and gloom ♥ 7 6 ♥ K J 10 5 2 ♥ A K J 5 ♥ 8 6 ♠ WE8 7 5 4 2 ♠ WEA Q 8 6 traditionally associated with minus 200 at matchpoints. The ♦ A 9 8 ♦ Q 10 ♦ Q 8 5 ♦ 7 6 4 3 ♥ A QS ♥ Q 10S 4 2 traveler will be littered with worse results for E/W here. ♣ 10 7 6 4 ♣ Q 9 8 2 ♣ K J 4 2 ♣ 7 5 ♦ 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 2 ♠ 8 7 5 4 2 ♠ A Q 8 6 ♣ A K ♣ 10 6 ♥ A Q ♥ Q 10 4 2 ♦ 7 5 4 2 ♦ J 9 2 NS 4♦; NS 2♠; NS 1N; W 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +130 S 4♥; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♠; S 3♦; NS 3♣; N 2♦; ♣ A K ♣ 10 6 N 1♠; Par +620 NS 4♦; NS 2♠; NS 1N; W 1♥; EW 1♣; Par +130 S 4♥; NS 3N; N 3♥; S 2♠; S 3♦; NS 3♣; N 2♦; N 1♠; Par +620