Set 24 Results

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Board 1, West Deals, Both

K Q 8 7 K Q J K J 9 K Q J

A 8 7 5 Q 10 8 6 5 4 A 7 6

Scores for Board 1:

5NT: 10
5: 7
Slams: 1

Obviously, the trick here is to avoid slam off two aces. After West's 2NT, maybe East should just use Gerber. When off 2 aces (surprise!), he can sign off in 4NT. If East chooses some auction to show diamonds, then the partnership had better know how to check for aces (or keycards). 

Board 2:West Deals, Both Vul.

A K Q J 7 A J 9 7 5 3 A K

Q 6 A K 8 5 3 2 Q 10 8 6 5

Scores for Board 2:

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

6:3
5NT:3
5:2

Because trumps can be drawn and diamonds set up (tons of entries), this is a great heart grand slam. Playing "Standard," the auction would begin 2-2. Will West raise hearts immediately (I would), or bid his diamonds first? The issue is the 2nd round diamond control--not obviously easy how to resolve.

Board 3, South Opens 3, Nobody Vul.

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

A K 9 8 6 9 K J 9 A K 9 5

Scores for Board 3:

6NT: 10
6 MAJ: 8
5NT: 6
5 MAJ: 4

After South's 3, West will likely overcall 3. East could bid 3 (forcing), but let's face it--the thought of 6NT will immediately spring to mind, and East is likely to eventually head there.

Board 4, North Passes, South bids 3, North bids 5, E-W Vul

K Q 9 8 5 4 8 7 6 3 Q 5 4

A J 3 A Q 10 5 4 2 9 5 3 A

Scores for Board 4:

5 MAJ: 10
6 MAJ: 8
5 Doubled: 4
5 Undoubled:1

Slam is decent since the K rates to be onside. My worry would be whether to play for Kx as opposed to KJx. The key is to play the hand as opposed to defending. How should E-W know? East opens 1 and South bids 3. West is probably worth only 3 (he has the wrong doubleton) and North bids 5. Is this a Forcing Pass Situation? I don't play a lot of forcing passes, but this one qualifies (I have a rule: If there is a passed hand opposite a preempt, they can't play in game undoubled). If East can make a forcing pass, will West bid on?  His club holding is unattractive. It won't surprise me if there are many pairs defending 5 doubled--which might even make (3-0 hearts and 3-1 spades, for example--and the defense doesn't negotiate the diamond ruff).

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