Overtricks are so important in a pairs event. Many players don't
understand that making or defeating a contract is not the goal; rather
it's achieving the largest plus or smallest minus score. Take a
look at this hunt for overtricks.
Scoring: Pairs (Matchpoints)
Hand #5
Dlr
E
Vul
N/S
A432
KJ8
J
K8543
J65
105
97642
J72
K87
74
AK853
Q106
Q109
AQ9632
Q10
A9
West
North
East
South
1
1
3
4
Pass
Pass
Pass
BIDDING: West's jump
showed a weak hand with long diamonds. North had just enough to
bid game but not enough to cue bid diamonds to show a bigger
hand. With wasted values in diamonds, South quietly passed.
PLAY: West led a diamond
to East who exited with a heart to dummy. The auction placed the
king of spades in the East hand so eleven tricks would be easy.
But, South saw a chance for one more. After drawing trumps,
declarer played ace, king, and a third club ruffing in his hand.
With the clubs dividing 3-3, he had two discards for his spades.
If the clubs had not behaved, he could still lead a spade to dummy's
ace and another back toward his hand for the overtrick.
It is essential to remember the auction when declaring or defending.
