Results for Set 11

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Board 1, West Deals, neither vul, North bids 2, South bids 3

A K 5 A 5 2 A J 10 8 7 6 5

K 7 6 5 2 4 K J 10 4 3 K Q

Scores for Board 1:

6: 10
6NT: 6
6: 5
5NT: 5
5:3
5:1

The start is surely 1 (2) 2 (3). Now what? West might bid 3NT, but that hardly describes his hand. Meanwhile, a 4 rebid zooms past 3NT. Will East be able to introduce diamonds? I don't see an easy route to 6 (a great contract, since there are entries to try to set up the 5th spade--with many other options in reserve. In fact, without a trump lead, declarer is virtually assured of 12 tricks).

Board 2, E-W vulnerable, South opens 1, North bids 3 (weak)

K 10 4 3 2 A J 10 9 6 4 K 2

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

Scores for Board 2:

6: 10
5: 6

Will West overcall 2 or make an ELCD (see link)? If he starts with 2 and North bids 3, East will surely bid 3 (forcing after the opponents preempt). West can now bid 4 and East might use RKC to reach 6. If West starts with double, East will be interested in at least 4, but will be worried about the heart suit. Curiously, the 2 overcall is more likely to lead to the laydown spade slam than a takeout double.

Board 3, West deals, both vulnerable

A 8 7 6 5 A K 9 2 Q 10 K 4

J 2 -- A 9 8 7 6 4 A Q J 3 2

Scores for Board 3:

6: 10
6: 8
6NT: 6
4NT: 5
5NT: 4
5:3
5:2
4:1

Another slam? Three in a row--and another tough one. Only the good diamond spots make this worthwhile. In 6 you could run the Q from dummy, planning to run the 10 next if the queen loses to the king.  Or, you can lead low towards the Q10 and try to "read" the table. But, how to reach 6? How about this start:   1-2-2-3-3. What next? I usually don't get into the 4th round of bidding here...this is an unpaid, under-appreciated job.  :)

Board 4, East deals, North bids spades, Both vulnerable

A 5 4 A Q 4 3 K A K J 5 4

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

Scores for Board 4:

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

Some Easts might have a gadget opening bid available, but the most likely start is P--P--1--1. East could make a negative double, but I prefer 2 (especially as a passed hand, where it is not forcing). Facing 5+ and about 10 HCP, West should probably drive to slam. How? He could just use RKC--but that won't get him to 7. He could make a splinter bid (4), but that's not usually a good idea with a singleton honor (nor is it a good idea when you plan to bid slam anyway). West could bid 2 and will then hear East bid 3. I wonder how many readers will get to the laydown grand. Not easy. If anyone scores 40 out of 40 on this set, I want them as teammates.

***Full Book by Larry Cohen with Bidding Practice and results/analysis.***