Every now and then you make a questionable bid that works. Here
is a hand where declarer was extremely lucky.
Scoring: Matchpoints (pairs)
Hand #9
Dlr
E
Vul
N/S
Q10874
84
106
Q875
AJ52
1072
742
1062
K63
QJ653
KQ83
K
9
AK9
AJ95
AJ943
West
North
East
South
1
2
2
3
3
3NT
All Pass
BIDDING: South had a
dilemma at this first turn to call. His hand was a bit strong for
a simple overcall but he didn't relish the idea of hearing his partner
bid a lot of spades in response to a takeout double. He decided
on the overcall after which both West and North made very light
raises. Then East made a terrible bid at the three level and
South should have doubled but looking at the vulnerability, chose
instead a very aggressive 3NT.
PLAY: West led a low
heart and declarer was in deep trouble. He realized he had to
attack clubs so he won the first heart and put the ace of clubs on the
table. East sighed as his king fell and all of a sudden there was
hope for declarer. He next led a low club to the eight as East
discarded a diamond. South could now count eight tricks and led
the diamond ten from dummy. East covered and declarer won the ace
and followed with the jack. East won the second diamond and
switched to a low spade. West won the ace and continued with
another. Declarer closed his eyes and put in the ten and when
East won with the king, declarer ended up with ten tricks.
Rather than rely on such a fortunate lay of the cards, South should
double three hearts and with best defense defeat the contract three
tricks. But, every now and then you do get lucky.
