Results for Set 30

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#1) West Deals, Both Vul.

K J 6 5 2 A K 8 6 5 4 J 3

4 3 Q 4 A K Q J 3 Q 8 5 4

Scores for Board 1:

3: 10
1NT: 8
4: 7
2: 5
2NT: 4

3NT: 3
3: 3
5: 2
4: 1

Most everyone opens the West hand these days (it does satisfy the Rule of 20). After 1-2, West's normal rebid is 3 (it would be quite a distortion to bid 2NT with that club holding). Now, East has a problem. He wants to bid 3NT or try for it, but nothing fits. Most would play 3 as showing cards/values in that suit. Raising spades with xx is also out. No matter what East does, of course, his side is already too high. Despite 26 HCP, there is no suitable game--and I don't expect many of my readers to stop in a partscore.

#2) South opens 1, South rebids , Both Vul.

A K 5 4 -- A K 10 8 6 4 7 6 3

J 10 7 6 2 7 6 4 3 Q 3 A 2

Deal 2 Scores:
6: 10
7: 7
5: 6
6: 5
5: 3
3: 2

West should start with a double and East has to decide if he is worth 1 or 2. With the 5-card suit and nothing wasted in hearts, I like the latter. If East jumps in spades, West is maybe worth 4 over South's 3 rebid. Will East, having already jumped, show more life? I think everything about his hand warrants a 5 control-bid. Just what the Doctor ordered for West. If East starts with only 1, it is unlikely slam will be reached.

#3) East Deals, E-W vul.

A K J 10 5 A K 5 4 7 6 Q 4

Q 9 8 7 6 2 K Q J 9 8 5 3 --

Deal 3 Scores:

6:10
4: 7
5: 6
5: 5
6: 4
Partscores: 2

Maybe at unfavorable vulnerability (when preempts should be sound), East will open 3. The suit is good, and the side void isn't a problem, but I might be worries about missing a major-suit fit. Over 3, West has an easy 3 response, and East will be delighted to raise to 4 (wanting to do something bigger). A spade slam has tons of problems, but 6 is spectacular (yet almost impossible to reach).

#4) East deals, Both Vul.

8 7 A J 9 3 A K 6 5 10 6 5

A K J 10 5 2 J 9 4 A K J 2

Board 4 Scores:

3NT: 10
4NT: 8
4: 7
Slams: 3

Over East's 1, should West force to game (assuming 2/1 GF)? After a vulnerable opening (which should be decent), and holding AK-A, I think so. West responds 2 and East can raise diamonds or bid 3 (my choice). After 3, West would bid 3NT and East would have to decide if he should move again with 4. If he does, 4NT by West should be natural and signing off. If the auction starts with West using a forcing 1NT, then all roads lead to the safety of 3NT.

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