More Than That

31st March – Board 23. Game All. Dealer South.

The responder to a take-out double has a dual responsibility – to nominate not only his best suit but also the strength of his hand and it is this latter consideration that is so often overlooked.

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

West	North	East	South
			1D
Dbl	No	2H	No
4H	End

You mustn’t think of that East hand as being just a measly five count but instead something worth a lot more than that with six card support for one of partner’s suits. After all if West had been the dealer and opened 1H you wouldn’t think of passing but be considering to what level you should raise. So here a bid of 2H should be a standout giving West an easy raise to game. There is nothing to the play. On an opening diamond lead just win, draw trumps and exit with a diamond. Whatever the defence does next will be to your advantage.