IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

With Larry Matheny

 

The form of scoring should always be considered during the auction.  However, when in slam territory, safety is another concern. 

 

Scoring:  Matchpoints (Pairs)

#14-13

Dlr

N

Vul

N/S

S

762

H

J2

D

KQJ943

C

A3

S

 109854

H

 Q4

D

 106

C

 KQ52

/images/pad.bmp

S

 J3

H

 9875

D

 8752

C

 1094

 

S

AKQ

H

AK1063

D

A

C 

J876

 

 

  West

 North

East

South

-      

1D

 Pass

 1H

  Pass

2D

 Pass

 2S

   Pass

    2NT

   Pass

    6NT

   Pass

   Pass

   Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

   

       

   

Bidding:  In a 23-table game a surprisingly low number of 14 N/S pairs reached slam.  Some were in diamonds but most ended in notrump for the better matchpoint score.  The bidding sequence shown here was typical.

 

Play:  It all came down to the opening lead.  The West players who led a passive spade were soon disappointed when those in 6D and 6NT soon claimed all 13 tricks.  However, those in 6NT were the disappointed ones when West chose an aggressive king of clubs for their opening lead.  With their entry to dummy’s diamonds removed, they were doomed to defeat.  Those in a diamond slam brought home all 13 tricks no matter the lead.  Greed can be costly.

 

 

Copyright 2014