Results for Set 7

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#1) West deals, N-S Vulnerable, North bids spades, and then if possible, South bids 2

A Q 9 3 -- K Q 10 7 6 K Q 10 4

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

Scores for Board 1:

2 Dbld (by N) : 10
2 (by N) : 9
2/3: 8
3: 7
2NT: 5
3:4
4: 4
3NT: 3
5/4:2

After West's 1 and North's 1 overcall, East, depending on system could choose :

A) 2 as a negative free-bid (only a few pairs play 2 as non-forcing, less than 10 points)
B) 2as "standard" -- 10-plus points and forcing one round (a slight overbid)
C) Pass -- conservative
D) Double -- Negative, and hoping to bid hearts next to show hearts and a weak hand
E) 3 as a weak-jump shift if available

Depending on East's action, what would it mean if West now doubled South's raise to 2? It is rare for a low-level double to be for penalty. No doubt, this auction will test even the most experienced partnerships. The trick is to stay low--and it all may hinge on East's initial action.

#2) East deals, both vulnerable

K 10 8 3 4 A K 4 A K 5 3 2

A A K 10 8 5 J 10 9 6 5 Q 8

Scores for Board 2:

6:10
6NT: 9
6:7
5NT: 6
5:5
5/4: 2

After East opens 1, West should respond 2. With a weaker hand, and/or only 4-4 in the blacks, I could live with a 1 response. Here, with a chance to bid clubs first, then spades, it leads to a much easier auction. So, the start should be: 1-2-2-2-3. At this point, I suspect most West players will use RKC and head to 6. That slam is excellent, but at matchpoints, 6NT is also desirable. In notrump, a lot of things would have to go wrong to result in fewer than 12 tricks.

#3) West deals, nobody vulnerable

Q 9 3 Q 7 A K A K J 7 6 4

4 K J 8 2 Q J 10 9 8 4 10 3

Scores for Board 3:

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

This is a tough one. I expect most pairs to play in 3NT via:  2NT-3-3-3NT  OR  1-1-3NT (or similar).  In a bidding contest such as this, opening West's hand 2NT is usually not a good idea. A more scientific 1 will likely beget a 1 response (with a weak hand, bypass the diamonds to show the major). Now, West will likely rebid 2NT or 3NT, and East will have no reason to go looking for 5-of-a-minor. While 3NT is a poor contract, it gets 3 points because it has a small chance to make--and will also have lots of company. 

#4) West deals, nobody vulnerable

K Q 10 9 2 -- A 9 5 4 A 10 9 8

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

Scores for Board 4:

3NT: 10
4: 8
2NT: 7
3: 6
2: 5
3: 3

Finally, a hand where 3NT is the top spot in bidding practice. Will anyone get there? The fit is perfect--right down to the jack and ten of spades. In notrump, declarer has 9 easy tricks, maybe 10. Four spades is also quite good, needing only the clubs to come in. Unfortunately, presuming 2/1 GF, I expect the "field" auction to be 1-1NT-2-2-Pass.   Even if East chooses to eschew the hearts and bid 2, that will likely be the final contract. As to West's rebid after 1-1NT, there is no "Normal" -- arguments can be made for either 2  or 2. In "Standard," the auction can begin 1-2, and might end up propelling East-West into one of the good game contracts.

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