20th July – Board 4. Game All. Dealer West.
Just because you have a
balanced hand with 12-14 points you are not obliged to open 1NT if something
better is available. Although it took me some time to see it I think that was
the case here.
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North:
S 7 4 2
H 9 2
D 9 6 5
C Q 10 7 5 2
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West:
S A Q 9
H 10 7 6
D A Q J 10 3
C 9 8
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East:
S K 10
H A K Q J 8 4
D K 8 7 2
C 6
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South:
S J 8 6 5
3
H 5 3
D 4
C A K J 4
3
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West
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North
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East
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South
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1D
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No
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2H
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No
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3H
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No
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4NT
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No
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5H
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No
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6H
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End
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At
several tables 1NT was opened and whether East decides to bid 3H (best) or
transfer and then unleash Blackers the fact remains that after the response to
said 4NT East still has no idea what to do. After all give West Axxx in
diamonds and QJx in clubs and the slam has no play. The reason the slam is
laydown is because of the diamond fit and that is what in retrospect I think
West should open. You can raise 1M to 2M and rebid 2D over 2C. With the
proposed sequence West either has a five card diamond suit or a stronger hand
making the slam so much easier to bid for East. Remember, if you don’t know how
to continue after a response to Blackwood then do not bid it!
But but but... I'm reluctant to accept that it's realistic to open 1D on that West hand. Surely a fireproof slam auction could be 1NT - 3H (slam interest) - 3S cue bid - 4S cue bid (renewed slam interest but denying minor suit Aces); now W cue bids 5D which is exactly what E wanted to hear and he bids 6H. No?
ReplyDeleteChris A
Maybe this hand is just not a good one for Acol or maybe I'm being wise after the event. Not for the first time!!
ReplyDeleteOh, i'm always wise after the event :)
ReplyDelete