Interesting Hand 33
This time it is also two hands but very contrasting fortunes for Declarer. Social bridge playing Chicago
Hand 1, both sides vulnerable,
Dealer picks 
A652
J6
A742 
A53. No problem here, open 1NT announced as 12-14 pts. Next player doubled,
and this was passed out. Unfortunately for Declarer, the dummy was
743 1082
853
9862, nearly a Yarborough. On the K
lead, Declarer can only make 3 tricks, so defenders gained 1100. Even with
a sophisticated defence to 1NT doubled, bidding at the two level is likely
to cost even more when defenders double again. At duplicate in a good club
this may well be a common score (we've all been there) but at Chicago its
a large loss
Hand 2. Declarer fared much much better on this hand from a different social Chicago game
Dealer opened 1,
the next player passed, and partner bid 2.
West overcalled 3
and the dealer then bid 4.
East not to be out done bid 5
(!) and the dealer then bid 5
which became the contract . the full hands are:
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33 North Deals N-S Vul |
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A lot of players would say "I've only got 3 pts so I will
pass", but S was more experienced and the 5 cards in opener's suit made
a single raise worth while. There are 3 potential losers, but Declarer thought
hard in the play. The lead 9 taken
by the ace. Out came the s to discover
the not very helpful break, so played only 2 rounds.Then decided to hope that
the A is favourably placed and lead
the J ( no point in doing that),not
covered by the Q (why ever not) and declarer had a moment of inspiration.
Realising that W is likely to hold the A, let it run.West played A,
then A, then led the last
to cut down any ruffs. Declarer is now home, losing only to the ace in each
minor suit, so well done. A sacrifice of 6
would have been worth it, but unlikely in Chicago.
Two interesting comments though. Opener said "that she
though about bidding 6, expecting
more from partner". Also "if E had covered the J,
she would have ducked because the K was bound to lose to the A". Maybe
after the event perhaps. By the way 5
can make as well. On the A lead ,
ruff in dummy and lead a small to
the A, then ruff another in dummy
and lead Q, pinning the J and if not
covered by the K, discarding a losing
(loser on loser ?). If the K covers, ruff and lead your last J
for dummy to ruff. The 10 can be used
to discard a loser and if N ruffs it is with A
Rather a fortunate layout for N in 5
and for W if allowed to play in 5(probably
doubled)