Good Evaluation

7^th July – Board 9. East/West Game. Dealer North.

I wonder how many pairs bid to the cold game East/West on the hand shown below. It all really comes down to how good a valuation West puts on his thirteen cards.

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

West	North	East	South
	1H	2D	3H
5D	End

There are one or two things to note about the auction. East is just about worth a vulnerable overcall at the two-level and South’s 3H bid is essentially preemptive, for with a full-blooded raise to 3H he should start with a cue-bid of the opponent’s suit – 3D. It really is – or should be – hard for West to visualise a hand where either 5D isn’t a make or 4H isn’t the other way, making a jump to game a standout. Either North or South would do well to bid 5H now, which is a cheap save but I really think that is difficult. I think in reality East will make twelve tricks unless South starts off with ace and another trump but that of course is incredibly lucky with the spade suit playing for no loser.