IMPROVE YOUR PLAY
with Larry Matheny

 

Everyone loves to bid slams.  You have to be very careful when attempting a grand slam because if it fails, you may find your opponents stopped in six or perhaps in game.  This pair was able to confidently bid a grand because of their cue-bidding agreements. 

 

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#11-24

Dlr

E

Vul

N/S

S

A9752

H

AK85

D

Q

C

983

S

Q1084

H

743

D

762

C

Q72

  pad  

S

K63

H

106

D

J84

C

J10654

 

S

J

H

QJ92

D

AK10953

C

AK

West

North

East

South

   

  

   Pass

    1D

  Pass  

  1S

  Pass

    2H

   Pass       3H         Pass       4C

   Pass       4D         Pass       4NT

   Pass       5D         Pass       7H

   Pass      Pass       Pass

 

 

BIDDING:  South’s rebid of 2H was a reverse showing 17+ points.  North’s raise showed extra values and South next cue bid clubs.  North’s diamond cue bid showed one of the top three honors so South bid 4NT, Roman Keycard Blackwood.  The diamond response showed three of the five keycards (4 aces + heart king) and South bid the grand slam.

 

PLAY:  West led a heart and thirteen tricks were easily found.  This hand was won in the auction.  

 

Copyright ©2011 Larry Matheny