IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

 

The preemptive bid is a two-edged sword; sometimes it works and sometimes you push the opponents into the winning contract.

 

Scoring: IMPs (Teams)

#12-20

Dlr

N

Vul

none

S

10

H

65432

D

93

C

Q10983

S

 KQJ9762

H

 K10

D

 76

C

 76

/images/pad.bmp

S

 843

H

 J8

D

 AJ10852

C

 54

 

S

A5

H

AQ97

D

KQ4

C

AKJ2

West

North

East

South

 

Pass

   Pass

2C

3S

Pass

  4S

Pass*

Pass

4NT

 Pass

5C

Pass

Pass

Pass

 

 

 

 

 

*forcing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

BIDDING:  The auction accelerated quickly after South’s opening bid.  East raised his partner’s preempt and South made a forcing pass showing a balanced hand.  North bid 4NT showing two places to land and South bid his lowest suit.  North was happy to pass.

 

Play:  West led the king of spades won by the ace.  Declarer drew trumps and was soon able to claim eleven tricks, losing one diamond and one heart.  At the other table E/W remained silent and N/S was allowed to declare 3NT ending down two after a spade opening lead. 

 

It’s difficult to place too much blame but I’m sure there was some discussion when the results were compared.

 

 

Copyright ©2012 Larry Matheny