Results for Set 35

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#1) North opens 2, E-W Vul.

A 3 K Q 7 6 3 6 3 A 6 5 2

Q A 2 A K Q 8 7 2 K 8 7 3

Scores for Board 1:

7:10
6:8
6NT:7

6:6
6:5

7NT:4
Games: 3
7:2

East might bid a direct 3 if the partnership plays it as stopper-asking. West has a stopper, but way too much strength to bid only 3NT. Figuring on running diamonds opposite, he will want to drive to at least 6 (maybe via 4 or Blackwood). East may just overcall 3, over which West should bid 3 (he can still reach 3NT if his partner bids 3 over 3). East might also double at his first turn, which might have West thinking about a heart slam. This one has no clear route --nor a clearly correct contract.

#2) East deals, Both Vul.

-- A 10 9 6 3 A 4 K J 10 7 5 4

K 6 4 2 8 3 K 10 7 Q 9 8 2

Deal 2 Scores:

5:10
4:7
3:4
4:2

West is not good enough to open 1 planning to bid hearts twice. Over his 1 opening, the auction will likely continue: 1-2-?? East might pass, or could take a Responder's return to opener's first suit without primary support false preference to 2 or even raise to 3. This is not an easy game to reach.

#3) West Deals, Nobody Vul.

A K 10 Q 10 8 3 2 K Q 8 7 3

J 10 A 8 7 6 4 2 A 9 3 J 2

Deal 3 Scores:

4 = 10

5 = 7

3 = 6

4= 5

After 1-1-2, East has two main choices: rebid hearts, or support diamonds (either to 2 or 3). I think 2 is the most likely action. After this, West should offer 3, which East will likely raise to the decent game.

#4) East deals, Both Vul.

A K Q 9 4 10 7 5 J 9 7 2 8

10 9 2 A Q 8 5 A Q 10 7 5 3

Board 4 Scores:

3 = 10

4 = 7

2 = 6

3 = 5

2NT = 5
4 = 4

2= 4

3NT=2

After 1-1-2, West might pass (conservative) or bid 2NT (aggressive). If he passes, a good contract is reached. If he bids 2NT, might East try 3 next (quite optimistic)? In either case, E-W will do well to stay out of game.

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