IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

With Larry Matheny

 

We use many conventions and artificial bids in our attempts to find the best contracts.  However, it often comes down to just using common sense. 

 

Scoring:  IMPs (Teams)

#13-11

Dlr

E

Vul

N/S

S

AJ1098

H

QJ984

D

8

C

K8

S

 64

H

 752

D

 K54

C

 J10975

/images/pad.bmp

S

 752

H

 10

D

 QJ1092

C

 Q643

 

S

KQ3

H

AK63

D

A763

C 

A2

West

 North

East

South

 -   

 -

Pass

2NT

  Pass

 3H

Pass     

3S

   Pass

    5H

   Pass

   7S

   Pass

    Pass

   Pass

   

  

 

 

   

  

   

  

  

 

 

 

 

   

    

   

 

Bidding:  After his partner’s 2NT opening, North was thinking slam.  First he transferred to spades and then jumped to 5H.  This showed 10+ major suit cards and slam interest. 

South considered this sequence and finally decided North would not be trying for slam without the ace of spades.  Accordingly, he bid the grand slam.

 

Play:  West led the jack of clubs and declarer quickly claimed 13 tricks.  The same contract was reached at the other table after a long and excruciating auction.

 


Copyright ©2013 Larry Matheny