Just Because

24th September – Board 1. Love All. Dealer North.

Just because you have a gadget available doesn’t mean you have to use it at all costs and although it didn’t matter on the hand shown below East was lucky to get away with the par result.

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

West	North	East	South
	No	No	No
1S	No	2H	No
2NT	No	3S	No
3NT	No	4H	End

I know it might look tempting to open with a weak two on that East hand but in fact the hand is far too good. With first round control in three suits and good defensive prospects it is much better to pass. Indeed if partner has something like SAx Hx Dxxxxx CKQJxx he will pass a 2H opening when you can probably make 6C! So pass instead and let the auction unfold. West will show a balanced 15-18 points with only four spades and therefore at least two hearts allowing East to bid the easy heart game.