IMPROVE YOUR PLAY #3 with Larry Matheny

Here is an example where having the right tools enabled the partnership to reach an excellent slam.

East-West vulnerable at matchpoints.

Hand #3
Dlr N
Vul E-W
S 52
H 9752
D A4
C AQ1054
S Q1086
H 63
D KQ102
C 862
S J73
H A10
D J98653
C 93

S AK94
H KQJ84
D 7
C KJ9
West North
 East
 South
--- pass pass
 1H
pass
 3C pass
 4NT
pass 5H pass
 6H
all pass



BIDDING:  As a passed hand, North’s bid of 3C was a “fit showing” jump promising near opening values along with heart support and a good club suit.  Needless to say, South was now interested in slam.  He checked for keycards with 4NT and then bid 6H.  Most partnerships do not spend enough time discussing passed hand bidding sequences. 

PLAY:  This was easy.  Declarer won the diamond opening lead and lost only the heart ace.  While it was possible to reach the slam with other auctions, showing the good suit along with support made it clear where responder’s values were.

Copyright ©2007 Larry Matheny.