IMPROVE YOUR PLAY
with Larry Matheny

Some players merely count their high card points at their turn to bid while others look more closely at the entire hand.  The following is a good example of proper hand evaluation along with a little card placement.

Scoring:  Matchpoints  (Pairs)
 
Hand #25
Dlr   S
Vul N/S
S KJ3
H A9
D AQJ9832
C J
S A4
H KQ4
D 107
C AQ7542
    
S Q762
H J1072
D 654
C 93

S 10985
H 8653
D K
C K1086
West North
 East
 South



Pass
   1C    1D    Pass
    Pass
   2C    3D    Pass
    3NT
All Pass



BIDDING:  South passed his partner's first overcall but came to life after hearing the jump rebid.  He visualized his partner holding a six or seven card diamond suit with outside strength.  South's club cards looked strong enough so he ventured 3NT.

PLAY:  West led a low a club won by dummy's jack.  South now had nine tricks but since this was a pairs event, he looked around for an overtrick.  From the auction, declarer realized West surely held the ace of spades so declarer led a diamond to his king followed by a low spade to dummy's king.  He now had ten tricks and a very good result.  Most of the other South players passed 3D because they "only had six points".  A few were bold enough to bid 3NT but quickly ran their nine tricks.  The important point is that South needs to recognize the value of his diamond king. 

West's best opening lead is the king of hearts.  Assuming declarer ducks, West must continue with the heart queen to avoid blocking the suit.  Of course, East must cooperate by encouraging at trick one.  This defense will leave declarer with only eight  tricks.

Copyright ©2007 Larry Matheny.