Guessing Games

5^th March – Board 1. Love All. Dealer North.

It would be hard for anyone at the table to be convinced that they were doing the right thing on the following hand but sometimes you just have to take your feet off the ground.

	North: S A 3 2 H A K 10 D 9 8 7 C 10 9 7 2
West: S K 9 8 5 H 4 3 2 D A Q 4 C K 6 5		East: S none H Q J 9 8 7 5 D J 10 5 3 2 C 8 4
	South: S Q J 10 7 6 4 H 6 D K 6 C A Q J 3

West	North	East	South
	No	2H	2S
4H	4S	End

It would be a mistake not to open that East hand although the paucity of high cards might for a moment sway you into the realms of negativity. In fact having a second suit is a big bonus in these circumstances as can be readily seen for the hand in question. At any rate South will bid 2S, obviously, and West raise to 4H – less obvious but both black suit kings are likely to be well placed. North will undoubtedly get caught up in the bidding frenzy and bid game for his side and there the matter may or may not rest. 4S is an easy make of course as declarer can pitch a diamond on a heart and make five spade tricks, two hearts and three clubs. Better for E/W to sacrifice in 5H which is only one down but that would be perfection – not always so easy to attain.