Results for Set 37

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#1) West deals, Nobody Vul.

A K 7 5 4 2 A 10 4 K K 10 4

6 5 2 A Q 10 8 7 5 3 9 8 4

Scores for Board 1:

5:10
4: 7
6: 6

3: 6
3NT: 5
4: 4
4NT: 3

What does East do after West's 1 opener? It is a matter of methods. What does 1-3 mean? Assuming that bid is not available, then East will have to respond with 1NT. West has a tough rebid. He has poor spades for 3, but too much strength for 2. Possible is an off-shape 2NT or a sexy 2. East will bid diamonds at his next turn, and the pair has to resist the urge to play in 3NT (which requires a doubleton diamond jack).

#2) North deals and opens 2, South bid 4, E-W Vul.

A A J 9 7 6 4 K J 9 4 A 3

4 2 10 8 3 A Q K Q J 9 6 5

Deal 2 Scores:

7:10
6NT: 8

6:8
6: 7
4X: 5
5NT: 5
5: 4
5: 3

In the Becker Archives, the only interference shown is "North opens 2." I felt compelled to modify this, as I couldn't stand to let South, who must have 4-card spade support, actually sit there and pass at this vulnerability. If East overcalls 3 , what an annoying problem West has after the 4 jump (not to mention his problem isn't easy if East doesn't overcall). West could make a card-showing double, raise clubs (to 5, 6 or 7), bid 5, or bid 4NT for takeout (the modern treatment). I can't imagine a good auction to the near laydown club grand slam (only an unlikely heart lead causes trouble).

#3) West Deals, Both Vul.

7 6 K 4 A K Q K 9 7 5 4 2

5 4 2 A J 10 9 5 J 6 3 A 6

Deal 3 Scores:

4:10
3:7
3:6
4:5
1NT: 4
2NT: 3
3NT: 3

Might West open a sexy off-shape 1NT? East would transfer to hearts and then bid 3NT. West might decide to remove and wind up in the excellent 5-2 heart fit (if the defense never leads trumps, a spade ruff makes for 10 likely tricks; if they do lead trump, declarer has other ways to make game). If West opens 1 and rebids 2, he might play there--not bad (60%).

#4) East deals, Both Vul.

K 3 J 9 5 4 K Q A K Q 10 5

A 10 8 7 6 4 2 A J 5 9 8 7

Board 4 Scores:

6:10
4: 7
5: 6
3NT: 5

4NT: 3

Opening 2 with East's hand is possible at the table, but usually not a good idea in a bidding contest (where preempting should be more pure). After 2, West might bid 4 (or 3NT). Even if East passes as dealer, the pair is a long way from the good club slam (just needs the black suits to behave).

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