To The Limit

16th March– Board 7. Game All. Dealer South.

When partner overcalls it is a really good idea to bid to the limit of the trump fit on any excuse at all. It puts huge pressure on the opponents who cannot easily double on a trump stack.

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

West	North	East	South
			No
No	No	1D	1H
1S	4H	4S	End

There are several points of interest about this hand. South is right to wander on at her second go and West’s 1S bid shows at least five because with only four he should start with a negative double. Now just look at that North hand! Easily worth 4H now with the known ten card fit and good distribution. East now comes under some pressure, either to double or bid 4S but see how useful it is to know that partner has five spades or more and it is that knowledge that should tip you towards bidding 4S. That contract makes eleven tricks while 4H is only one off and there is a case for North bidding one more.