Set 27 Results

For instructions, click here.
Board 1, West Deals, Both Vul

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

-- A 9 4 2 10 7 6 2 A K 8 7 3

Scores for Board 1 :

6:10
5:6
5:5
3NT:4
6: 3

There is no "correct" opening bid with West's hand. If he opens 1 it will go 1-1-2-3.  East will know West has a 3-suiter short in hearts, but it isn't clear he can drive to slam on his own. If West opens 1 it will continue: 1-1-2-3. Again, East will know of the 3-suiter -- but the rest is hard to predict.

Board 2: East Deals, Nobody Vul

A 9 K 4 A Q 10 8 7 5 Q 8 3

Q 8 7
A Q J 10 7
K 4
K 9 8 

Scores for Board 2:

6NT: 10
6:9
6:8
5NT:7
5:6
5:5

After East's likely 1NT, West will either invite or drive to slam. If he shows a diamond suit, it isn't too likely East will cooperate--but maybe he should (with a diamond honor and a source of tricks).

Board 3, East Deals, Nobody Vul

Q 9 8 5 4 A J 8 4 9 5 A 9

A K 6 3 10 4 A K 10 8 6 4 2

Scores for Board 3:

7:10
6:6
5:3
After 1-1, I believe East is worth a 4-level raise. He can either splinter with 4, or bid 4 (which traditionally shows a 6-4 hand like this). West uses RKC and learns of 3 keycards and then the K--after which he should bid 7. The grand slam depends on 3-2 diamonds (and not 4-0 spades).

Board 4, West Deals, Nobody Vul

A J 7 5 4 9 8 7 K Q Q 7 6

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

Scores for Board 4:
4:10
5:7
3N:5

How should E-W avoid this poor slam?  How about 1-2-3-3-4. When West never peeps, East should call it a day.  As will we (until next month's set).

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