Interesting Hand 16
In a recent Harlow League match this hand was played. I am indebted to the players who sent it for inclusion on the website.Both sides vulnerable
The dealer was W: 
A6
KJ9753
void
A10842
N held:K10842voidKJ9753K6
E held:QAQ108642voidQ9753
S held:J9753voidAQ108642J
The bidding began with W opening 1
how might it continue?
The "experts" answered
W N E S
1 3(CRO) 4 4
5 5 6 6
dbl P P P
CRO is a convention to show two five card suits over opponents opening bid.
Over 1 then
2 shows 2
suits same colour i.e. clubs and spades; 2NT shows 2 suits same rank i.e
clubs and diamonds; 3
shows the other two suits i.e diamonds and spades.
The 4 is a
n unassuming cue bid showing a good raise in hearts
W N E S
1 3
(CRO) 5
5
6 P 6 6
dbl P P P
The 5 is a
"splinter" showing a singleton or void in diamonds; and 6
is a cue bid
W N E S
1 3(CRO) 4 4
5 5 6 6
dbl P P P
4 diamonds is a splinter bid, 5 hearts a cue bid
W N E S
1 dbl 4 4
5 5 6 P
P 6 P P
dbl
You will see that 6 clubs or 6 hearts can make for E-W, and
even 7 hearts makes by playing the Q
and smothering the J.
6 spades by N-S is a good sacrifice even doubled, and is only one
off if you guess the spades right. Notice nobody played in the minor suits!