Results for Set 32

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#1) West deals, Nobody Vul.

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

9 7 6 A Q 6 5 2 Q 10 9 4 A

Deal 1 Scores:
3NT: 10
2NT: 7
4: 6
5: 4

System plays a big part here. Many pairs play that 1-1-2-2NT is an artificial force.That might not necessarily lead to the right contract. Luckier would be 1-1-2-2. Here, 2 is an invention (not a convention) by East--just to make some forcing bid. Over that, West would likely bid 2NT, raised to 3NT. Luckier still, would be for East to guess to bid 3NT at his second turn (such a bid deserves to find a small singleton spade opposite).

#2) East deals, North bid 3, E-W Vul.

Q 9 8 6 5 K 3 A 4 A Q 9 3

A K 2 9 8 5 4 2 K J 10 7 6 --

Deal 2 Scores:

4: 10
3 Doubled: 8
3NT: 7
4NT: 5
6: 4
5: 3

After 1-Pass-1, North bids 3. Some pairs use Support doubles even at the three-level, but is East worth it? He is minimum in HCP, but does have a nice hand for spades. If he makes a Support Double, West might leave it in, converting it for penalties (even at these colors). East also might choose to go all in and bid 3, planning to support spades later. East could also look at his 11 HCP and Pass. West might now bid 3NT (since double wouldn't really be for penalty). I'd guess there will be many different auctions on this one. Please no complaints about the scoring--I still have a headache from it.

#3) West Deals, Nobody Vul.

A 7 6 A 5 4 8 7 2 A K 6 4

K Q 5 4 2 K 6 A Q 6 3 5 2

Deal 3 Scores:

4:10

5: 8
3NT: 7
4NT: 6
5NT: 5
6: 4
6NT: 3

The auction will start: 1NT-2-2-3. West should now choose spades, with the jump to game typically being weakest (since already in a GF). With all those controls, it is tempting to show extras, but the shape is poor and the fit for the second suit is also bad. After a jump to 4 (weak), East should probably give up. Otherwise, this anti-percentage slam is likely to be reached. The J (or even the 10-9) would make slam much better.

#4) East deals, Both Vul.

Q J 9 5 A J 4 9 7 2 Q J 10

-- K 9 2 A K Q 10 9 6 5 A 8 7

Board 4 Scores:

6: 10
4NT: 7
5NT: 6
5: 5
7: 3

I suppose East could open 2, but most likely is a 1-1 start. East would be very heavy for a 3 rebid, but could choose that slight underbid due to the spade misfit. East might also rebid 3NT to show a good hand with running diamonds. Over that rebid, West might make a move, leading to the excellent slam (roughly 75% since on one of two finesses).

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