Well Thought Out

15th October – Board 9. East/West Game. Dealer North.

Although I am sure most pairs played in the technically correct contract of a club partscore that doesn’t mean to say they got much reward for their efforts…

	North: S A Q J 3 H 5 4 D 9 C A K 10 9 6 5
West: S 10 9 8 6 4 2 H Q 2 D K Q 10 C J 2		East: S 7 5 H A K 8 6 D 7 6 5 3 C Q 8 3
	South: S K H J 10 9 7 3 D A J 8 4 2 C 7 4

West	North	East	South
	1C	No	1H
1S	3C	No	3NT
End

I think on balance West is right to bid, although it is marginal, but it does allow North to upgrade his hand, thinking no doubt that the spade king would be onside.  Over 3C South’s hand warrants a game try and although 3NT might look strange it is in fact well thought out. Even if West holds the ace of spades he is unlikely to lead it and on a low spade lead there must be chances of running nine tricks. As it happens North can help in the spade department more than South ever thought and after taking the precaution of ducking an early club declarer will romp home maybe with an overtrick, taking four spades, one diamond and five clubs. Ok, so best defence beats it, but it is hard to find except when looking at all four hands.