Author: Larry Cohen
Date of publish: 5/1/2017
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Set 24 Results
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Board 1, West Deals, Both
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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.
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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.
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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
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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).
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