IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

With Larry Matheny

Proper hand evaluation is so important. Too many players simply use the 4-3-2-1 method to count their high card points and bid accordingly. Other factors such as distribution, the auction, and good intermediate cards should also be considered.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#13-31
Dlr	E
Vul	Both

	KJ108
	Q1086
	AK6
	J7

	Q4
	J9432
	J94
	A86

	A7
	K75
	Q8532
	943

	96532
	A
	107
	KQ1052

West	North	East	South
-	-	Pass	Pass
Pass	1	Pass	1
Pass	2	Pass	4
Pass	Pass	Pass

Bidding: After North showed a sound raise by bidding 2 (he would have passed 1with less), South boldly bid game.

Play: West led a low diamond and declarer won the ace. Next declarer came to his hand with a heart and led a low spade to the jack and ace. East shifted to a club won by West. Declarer won the second club and was delighted when the queen of spades appeared on the next play. Making five was a very good result because half of the field stopped in a spade part score.

It’s true the South hand contains only nine high card points, but with a second 5-card suit and the knowledge partner will usually have 4-card support, game becomes a good bet. Unfortunately, I held the West hand and could only congratulate South on a good bid.

Copyright ©2013 Larry Matheny