with John Wilmott, from Keswick Bridge Club
There is something especially exciting about entering the slam zone, that uncertain world beyond a game contract. It more often than not depends on finding a pesky queen in a side suit. Some are good at guessing, others attempt the infamous ‘golf club’ squeeze, running out trumps and looking for a careless discard indicating the whereabouts of the missing lady. How would you play the following hand?
♠AK9
♥Q9865
♦AJ6
♣K5
The hand on your left opens 2♠ weak, passed round to you, your bid? I bid 2NT, simply because it describes my shape and point count. Partner now bids 3♦, transfer to hearts and I choose to bid 3♠, agreeing hearts showing a maximum and a spade stop, The auction continues
4♣-4♦
4NT-5♠* two key cards + queen of trumps
6♥
The 2♠ bidder puts the club queen on the table, partner tables the following hand,
♠J87
♥AK743
♦K98
♣A5
Q♣ is led
♠AK9
♥Q9865
♦AJ6
♣K5
Assume queen to six spades on your left. How do you make 12 tricks?
Send your answer to [email protected]
The best answer will be mentioned in the next issue and will win a free game on a Thursday.
Last week’s competition was won by Frank Jenkinson.
♠A108
♥A108
♦4
♣AQJ1097
You open 1♣ and partner responds 1♠
Your best bid is 2♥, having a partial fit with partner you have the values for a reverse.
♠A108
♥4
♦A108
♣AQJ1097
You open 1♣ partner responds 1♠. Similar to the previous example, you have the reversing values to bid 2♦.
♠4
♥A108
♦A108
♣AQJ1097
You open 1♣ partner responds 1♠
This is the most difficult. I think 3NT just pips it. The A108’s in the red suits could win two tricks opposite Jx. I have some sympathy for 3♣. 2♣ is just too weak and does not begin to describe the power of your hand.
