Results for Set 9

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Board 1, West deals, nobody vulnerable, North bids clubs

Q 4 K 9 8 6 5 K 8 5 K 10 9

A 5 2 Q J 10 A 10 7 3 Q 4 2

Scores for Board 1:

3NT(by West):10
4: 7
2NT (by West): 6
3NT (by East) 5
3: 4
2NT (by East): 3

I like to open light, but West's doubleton-queen is of dubious value. Presuming West passes, North opens 1 and East has to decide if he should enter. My motto is, "when in doubt, get in early." Especially since East-West aren't vulnerable, I'd stick my two cents in with a takeout double. Will West do more than jump to 2? If he bids 2, surely he will buy it there. This is a difficult combination to evaluate--in effect, all cards are pulling their full weight.  "But Larry, tell us how to get to the right contract?" Sorry--I get asked this often--and sometimes it is just too tough.

Board 2, West deals, both vulnerable

10 9 8 7 A K 10 9 4 2 A K 10

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

Scores for Board 2:

5:10
4: 7
4/3N/6: 5
other partials: 4

After West's 1, East is not strong enough to respond 2 if playing 2/1 GF. Some pairs have available a 3 response as invitational (over which West would have a tough decision). If East responds with a forcing notrump, West will rebid 2 (wanting to bid 2 1/2 hearts). East is now quite heavy to bid 3, but without any fancy system tools, I can't see anything else (maybe pass 2?) West would likely pass, East's 3, leading to a reasonable score of 7 out of 10. Other than 5, no game is very attractive.

Board 3, Nobody vulnerable, South opens 3 and North bids 4

A 10 4 2 A 9 7 6 3 A 10 4 2 --

K 3 K Q J 8 2 K 5 3 8 7 4

Scores for Board 3:

6:10
5: 6
4X:5
7: 4

West has no choice but to double 3 and over North's raise, East would like to bid more than 4. If he bids only 4 West might move again (5 comes to mind) and East will surely bid slam. If East bids 5 the first time (whatever it means--maybe asking for a club control), West will go to slam (maybe via 6). Seven has play since there are chances in diamonds, spades, or for a squeeze.

Board 4, East-West vulnerable, South deals and opens 1

K 2 J 9 8 4 5 4 3 A K Q 2

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

Scores for Board 4:

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

It is never easy to reach a grand slam when the opponents open (it seem like a psyche, if you ask me). After 1--P--P-- East should start with a double. After a balancing double, West can't insist on game (the balancing could be light), so 2NT (invitational) feels right. Now, East can bid 3 (I am not mentioning ELCD--but some experts will know what I am referring to) if he is sure it shows a good hand with diamonds (forcing). West should not woodenly insist on 3NT (his hearts aren't great and he has a good hand for diamonds). I think from this point it would be good enough for East-West to reach any slam. If anyone reaches 7, all I can say is "brilliant" (or lucky). Notice that 7NT has great chances since there are 12 top tricks and maybe a 13th on a squeeze (or at worst, a spade finesse). 

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