Results for Set 42

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#1) South deals, Both Vul.

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

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

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

If diamonds behave (2-1 onside) 3NT is easy, but it is less than 50% likely (the finesse is 50-50 or they could be 3-0). For that reason, 5 is better (of course, if the opponents don't lead a club against 3NT...) Slam isn't awful, since if diamonds behave, declarer can strip the hand before playing spades. A likely start is 1-2(inverted)-2NT. East might just bid 3NT, but I think his hand is too good. A splinter bid in clubs would work well, but after the 2NT rebid, many would take 4 as Gerber.

#2) East deals, E-W Vul. [South jumps in diamonds]

6 5 K 2 A Q 7 5 K Q J 4 3

A K Q 10 4 A J 6 4 J A 10 2

Deal 2 Scores:

7:10
6NT:8
6:7
6:6
7NT:5
3X:5
Games: 4
7:3

What should West do after 1 (3)? The colors don't dictate trying for a penalty. I think 3NT is practical. East might just bid 5NT over that (pick-a-slam) and West will choose clubs. I don't see how East can guess to raise to seven.

#3) West Deals, Nobody Vul.

K Q 7 6 5 K 5 5 2 K Q 6 4

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

Deal 3 Scores:

6:10
4NT: 7
4:5
5:4
6NT:2

This is a great slam, but not easy to bid. A quite likely auction is:

1-2-3-4NT (quantitative)-Pass. Each player has a little in reserve.

#4) West deals, N-S Vul.

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

A Q 6 5 4 Q 10 5 4 A 3 5 2

Deal 4 Scores:

6:10
4NT:7
5:6

4:4
6/NT:2

Another tough-to-bid minor-suit slam. It might just involve a final guess at some point after the auction begins:

1-1-3-3-??

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