IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

The 1NT overcall may be the most dangerous bid in bridge. It is easy to double and often there is no place to run. The vulnerability is also a factor often ignored.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

Hand #12-45
Dlr	N
Vul	N/S

	J10983
	10542
	643
	3

	KQ5
	J976
	K108
	Q72

	42
	A
	AJ92
	KJ10654

	A76
	KQ83
	Q75
	A98

West	North	East	South
	Pass	1	1NT
DBL	Pass?	Pass	Pass

Bidding: After East opened the bidding, South counted his points and overcalled 1NT which West promptly doubled. North should have bailed out to spades or used some Stayman bid to find the heart fit, but for reasons unknown decided to pass. Of course with this vulnerability there was no safe place to run.

Play: West led the deuce of clubs and the rout began. South won the third round and, perhaps in panic mode, led a low spade. West won the queen and continued with the nine of hearts showing no high honor in that suit. East won the ace and cashed the rest of the clubs. After the clubs, East led a low diamond and the massacre was completed. The defense captured 1 spade, 1 heart, 4 diamonds, and 5 clubs for a score of +1400.

At most other tables, South made a takeout double of the opening bid and E/W reached a routine 3NT. Some lessons have to be learned the hard way.

Copyright ©2012 Larry Matheny