Author: Larry Cohen
Date of publish: 09/14/2016
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Set 15 Results
For instructions, click here.
Board 1, West deals, both vul
A K Q J 10 4
K 4
K
K 9 8 7
|
|
7 5
Q 10 9 8 6 5
10 2
A 5 3
|
Scores for Board 1:
4
: 10
5
:8
4
: 7
5
: 3
3
/3NT: 2
3
:1
We start this set with one of the easier problems in this series. After a 1
-1N start, it is far from clear what West should rebid. A straightforward 4
or 3
should lead to the correct final contract.
Board 2, West deals E-W vul
A Q J 9 7 6 4
Q 2
4
A J 2
|
|
8 3 2
K 7 6 4
Q J 3
K 8 6
|
Scores for Board 2:
4
:10
3
:6
5
:4
3NT: 4
Already this set is a candidate for easiest in the series. This looks like another routine 4
, maybe after 1
-2
-4
. For some reason, this deal is in the Becker Archives--so maybe you and your partner will discover what the problem is.
Board 3, East deals, both vul
A 10 9 5 4
Q
J 3
K Q 8 4 2
|
|
K 3 2
A K J 10 9 4
Q 10 9
9
|
Scores for Board 3:
4
: 10
3NT: 9
4NT: 6
3
:5
2NT:4
3
:3
4
:2
The trick here is to avoid playing in spades (off 4 likely tricks). The auction is likely to begin 1
-1
-2
-3
. At this point, East might bid 3
which will lead to that nasty 4
contract. At some point, West or East needs to steer the partnership into hearts or notrump. Good luck!
Board 4, West deals, nobody vul
10 2
A K 10 9 6 4
A J 9
K 3
|
|
A K 8 7 5
--
2
A J 9 8 7 6 4
|
Scores:
6
: 10
6NT: 6
4
:5
5NT: 4
6
/7
: 3
5
: 2
7NT: 1
So much for the easy set. If anyone was on their way to 40 out of 40, this one might have done them in. How to reach 6
? Let's start with 1
-2
-2
-2
-2NT-3
. Now, West should appreciate his prime cards and bid 4
. It's a bit of guesswork from here on.
***Full Book by Larry Cohen with Bidding Practice and results/analysis.***