29th March – Board 7: Game All. Dealer South.
It can be very annoying to help the opposition bid a game when they were about to play in a part score, but the sad truth is that it happens from time to time with nobody to really blame.
West
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North
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East
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South
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No
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1H
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No
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No
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Dbl
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Redbl
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2D
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2H
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3D
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4H
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End
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Unless you are playing a strong club system I can see no sound alternative to opening 1H on that West hand and East can hardly be blamed for passing. However it would be feeble in the extreme for South to pass and while a bid of 2D might seem appropriate I think that that is incorrect. What is wrong with a take-out double? I agree that partner might bid clubs but if he does you bid diamonds, obviously showing spades as well. West can show his strength by redoubling and North will compete in diamonds and if East has any backbone he will surely bid 2H, making it easy for his partner to bid the cold game. At favourable vulnerability N/S have a save in 5D for a modest gain but as it is discretion should prevail.
