IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

Everyone loves to bid slams but it isn’t always an easy task. To reach the ultimate contract, it often requires the necessary conventions and agreements.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#12-14
Dlr	S
Vul	none

	A842
	A108
	974
	AQ4

	106
	9632
	1082
	KJ95

	KQJ975
	7
	3
	108632

	3
	KQJ54
	AKQJ65
	7

West	North	East	South
			1
Pass	1	Pass	2
Pass	3*	Pass	3
Pass	4NT	Pass	5
Pass	5NT	Pass	7NT
Pass	Pass	Pass

*forcing

BIDDING: The 2 rebid by South was a reverse showing extra values in either high cards or distribution. Holding three aces North was instantly thinking slam. He took a (forcing) preference to opener’s first bid suit waiting to hear more from his partner. South next rebid hearts to show (at least) 5-6 distribution and North leaped to 4NT. This pair uses Roman Keycard Blackwood (4 aces + trump king) so South admitted to two keycards and the queen of diamonds. North’s 5NT asked about kings and also confirmed the possession of all five keycards. South had an easy bid of 7NT.

Play: West led a spades and declarer soon claimed. It wouldn’t seem that difficult to reach this grand slam but in a local game, 5 pairs stopped in game, 10 bid a small slam, and only 1 bid seven. I think playing 3 as forcing allowed the room to properly investigate.

Copyright ©2012 Larry Matheny